When Kevin Arthur was a junior in high school, he recalls not knowing a lot about the college search and admissions process. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do,” he said.

That’s when he enrolled in a program offered through his high school that provided peer mentorship and college preparation resources. Arthur began seeing his future education options with greater clarity — including attending Saint John’s University.

Now a senior majoring in global business at Saint John’s, Arthur is a busy student athlete and leader on the men’s soccer and track and field teams. “I didn’t know what to expect when coming to college, but I loved my first semester and had a good experience,” he said.

Initially, Arthur didn’t know what he wanted to study but was drawn to business. “I have a business mindset, so I decided to go for global business,” he said. In addition he added two minors: French and exercise and health science. He also serves as a teaching assistant for a French language course.

Arthur said applying to the Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African-American Men was, “the best decision I ever made in college.” He credits the scholarship for setting him up to make the most of his education and be prepared for what’s next. “The scholarship has given me a lot of opportunities in different ways that I wouldn’t have had without it.”

As Arthur looks towards graduation, he is also giving back to the communities that supported him along his college journey. “This scholarship has given me the opportunity to connect with and mentor younger students. The network that I’ve built and the connections I’ve made have set me on the path to success.”