Prairie View, TX – Prairie View A&M University alums are known for the great strides they make in the world once they leave The Hill. This series will highlight the great men and women of PVAMU and the career paths after studying at the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS).
Lawrence Phillips is currently a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). But before that, he was an enthused PVAMU student and graduated from CAHS in 1995 with a degree in Animal Science.
CAHS Alum Lawrence Phillips
“For three years, I followed my rodeo dreams after graduation,” Phillips said. “Then, in 1999, I landed a job in the Aldine ISD as an Agriculture teacher at Eisenhower High School.” Phillips says he created an FFA program in Houston where he guided 30 kids to PVAMU, with half pursuing agriculture majors.
After eight years, Phillips wanted a change. “I did not see myself going up the career ladder with education like counseling or principalship.” An interest sparked when a friend told him about an area in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) specializing in agriculture.
Phillips landed a job as a federal agent for DHS and was stationed in Arizona, patrolling the border. He soon learned how to speak four different languages in that role: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Arabic. From there, his career flourished. He moved to Dubai for a year and focused on dismantling terrorism, and became a diplomat for the United States of America. He also lived in and visited over 30 different countries.
He thanks Prairie View A&M University for paving his way to success, saying it prepared him for the world, both professionally and socially. Attending an HBCU helped him appreciate his history, culture and provided confidence in his major.
“With an Ag degree, you truly understand how the world works from the four major parts of agriculture,” said Phillips. “Agriculture is the base foundation to all great societies.”
For graduating CAHS students, his advice is simple. Seek support wherever you can find it. He says that developing a mentorship with people from your alum or other HBCUs is a key to lasting success post-college.
“Don’t be afraid of change and get comfortable at being uncomfortable with new training, new ideas, new friends, new business model,” Phillips said. “To grow yourself professionally and climb to the ladder of success is vital for agriculture students.”
Taylor Stewart
IIC Student Worker