Victor Adewale's journey to the CAS began with a childhood passion for politics, which was sparked by his engagement in debates at school. While it was the University of Memphis' beautiful campus that initially caught his eye, it was the quality of the political science program that cemented his decision.
His coursework has already had a profound impact on him, particularly in Comparative Politics. “We had a topic that related back to Africa... I like the fact that people here are also aware of African politics,” he reflects.
Adewale praises Professor Madlock, his freshman government instructor, for fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual learning. Their discussions often bridge cultural divides, as the student draws from his background and shares insights from Nigeria’s political landscape.
Another highlight of his academic experience came during a research project for his English class, where he examined a pressing local issue with a research focus on how job creation could alleviate crime, tying local challenges to broader societal change. Adewale attributes his drive to make a difference to the CAS’s focus on turning academic knowledge into actionable solutions.
“I believe in making a change,” he says. “If I get in power, I want my actions to speak louder than my words.”