Alumni Reflections: Priscilla Stallings
Flexibility and commitment were key for Priscilla Stallings (BA ‘09, sociology of law, criminology, and deviance) during her time at CLA. Now the Chief Inclusion Officer for the State of Minnesota’s Office of Inclusion, Stallings reflects on her degree and the perspectives she has taken into connection and career outside of college.
Where do you currently live and work?
I live in the Twin Cities, and I serve as the Chief Inclusion Officer for the State of Minnesota’s Office of Inclusion.
What did you study in CLA? What inspired you to pursue that path?
I studied sociology of law, criminology, and deviance. Initially going to school for nursing, I decided to pivot my major due to becoming a parent during my sophomore year of college. I was inspired to graduate and knew that I would attend school again later in life, so I was comfortable switching to another interest. Since I enjoyed learning about societies, differing cultures, and law, I chose the sociology major. While my studies enlightened me, it also grieved me to learn about disparities such as recidivism rates for incarcerated persons of color. Upon graduating, I decided that I would be an individual who dismantled disparities by addressing them head-on.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Be flexible in your learning journey and trust that it all works together over time. While I did not pursue my initial healthcare dreams, I have found ways to weave well-being into my current work, which brings me a lot of joy and personal satisfaction.
My educational journey was not a straight path. However, everything that I have learned along the way has prepared me for the opportunities that I have been afforded. I have seized formal and informal learning opportunities and would encourage others to do the same. There are lessons to be learned from nearly every interaction — with a stranger, in a workplace, or with friends and family. Keep observing, reflecting, and be a life-long learner.
What advice would you give to current students of color?
Get connected and build your network. Being an introverted young parent on campus deterred me from getting as involved as I could have. While others connected on campus, I was racing off to study, work, or pick up my daughter. On occasion, I was involved in the parent center and the Black Student Union, but it took me a while to realize the importance of building networks. It was nearly 10 years after I graduated that I reflected on my undergrad journey. While I connected with a few professors of color, I didn’t build a strong network during my time at the U of MN, and it was truly a missed opportunity.
What is your favorite memory from the U?
I enjoyed my time at the U, which involved engaging learning experiences in classes such as women’s health and history, Reiki, Islamic Studies, gender studies, American Sign Language, and African American Studies. Leaning into inquiry with other cultures, religions, gender identities, disabilities, and healthcare practices has undoubtedly influenced my experience in the space of equity and inclusion both in my understanding of self and others. However, my favorite memory is my graduation. I worked hard as a full-time student, part-time employee, and a lovingly engaged mother. To navigate such a large institution and accomplish a goal I set out to reach was everything. I came, I sought and I conquered!
Looking back at your time in CLA, what are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of my willingness to remain committed to my educational goals despite the shifts that were happening all around me. My best friend left the school during our freshman year.Sadly, many of the students of color that I started with slowly began to drop out or transfer schools. I was focused on my goal, and despite the challenges of navigating young adulthood, ever-changing friendships and relationships, family-member addiction, and the many responsibilities that I held, I pressed through navigating a huge institution with perseverance and excellence. I learned an immense amount about liberal arts and it was instrumental in shaping how I engage across differences and influenced how I have learned to navigate predominately White institutions.
Anything else you'd like to contribute about your major, time in CLA, value of a liberal arts education?
My liberal arts education was valuable in preparing me to work with people. I took advantage of learning opportunities that challenged my perceptions and offered insights into cultures and worlds separate from my own. I am grateful for the educational experience offered by the CLA program.
This story was edited by Cass Bryant, an undergraduate student in CLA.
