Don't miss this interview. This is by far the most inspiring and  powerful interview that the Network has published, to date. Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Finance Professor, demonstrates through doing what others only talk about. Prepare yourself for some frank, honest, and revealing thoughts about taking the next steps in life – when …

• you know you are not where you should be, 
• you don’t exactly know what you are going to do about it, but
• you know you must move on.

This action takes self-confidence, faith, and courage. The full interview, segmented into three parts, can be seen now in its entirety in the Network’s Virtual Office (Look in [Announcements - Shared with "Everyone"] and [Forums > George Kilpatrick - Shared with the George Kilpatrick Group]) Keyword Search: EXCLUSIVE - Dr. Boyce Watkins: On Leaving SU.

George Kilpatrick, NSBL Network Interviewer, recently sat down with Dr. Boyce Watkins. The topic of conversation concerned Boyce’s announcement of his intentions to leave Syracuse University.

“People see the image. The image is always bigger than the person. They might see you as a threat. And, for some people I come off as little bit of a threat.”

Syracuse is a place that is, quite honestly, economically and socially and climatically damp.

“Being Black is very important to you. You need to understand that White folks aren't going to love that, even those who are allegedly liberated from racism. The disease of racism has its greatest impact on those who think they have been cured. And, Syracuse is a place where they believe they've been cured of racism. But, I've seen just as much racism here as I saw in the deep and dirty South.”

“What I say to people is, ‘Find ... what it is that makes you special, makes you unique. Then, if you're looking for an opinion about what kind of person you are find people who can appreciate what you bring to the table.’”

“I don't have anything negative to say about the people here in Syracuse. I will say, though, that there is something to be said about the fact that this is a place where the young and the talented tend to leave. Let's be honest. You know, It doesn't mean that there aren't talented people here.”