Our ongoing story starts with people from around the world, converging here at UMKC. Get to know our people and you’ll know what UMKC is all about.
Julius Carpenter
Expected graduation date: 2019
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
High School: Lincoln College Preparatory Academy High School
Program: Communications Studies, emphasis in interpersonal and public relations, College of Arts and Sciences
Organizations: Nu Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Men of Color; Rootopia Concert Planning Committee; student assistant at the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
Why did you choose UMKC?
I transferred from KU due to finances. UMKC was close to home and affordable so it was the best choice for me. This is my home now.
How did UMKC become home for you?
I was sitting outside the Multicultural Student Affairs Office one day on the third floor of the Union one day when someone saw me and invited me to come inside and meet some people. My whole world changed. The warm feeling and accepting nature of everybody just lured me in. I haven’t stopped getting involved since.
Why did you choose to major in communications?
I was majoring in pre-pharmacy but I wanted to do something that would really accentuate and cultivate the skills I had, so I talked to the Communications Studies advisor about switching and the rest is history!
"The UMKC communications program has inspired me to pursue my dreams fearlessly. I set a goal to work for a record company, and I landed a semester-long internship at Atlantic Records in Los Angeles."
What are the benefits of the communications program?
I’ve obtained great skills from all assets of communications from mass media to journalism. The communications department also holds a free annual internship fair for all its students.
The UMKC communications program has inspired me to pursue my dreams fearlessly. I set a goal to work for a record company, and I landed a semester-long internship at Atlantic Records in Los Angeles.
Tell us more about your internship for Atlantic Records.
It’s in the publicity department. The internship is for school credit and I'm taking online classes to stay on track for graduation this year. I work on press releases, and tour research for various artists on the label and work on marketing projects with my fellow interns to create digital marketing plans for up-and-coming artists on the label. I've been here since the middle of January, and I love it! Time flies when you're doing what you love to do.
What has your program taught you about yourself?
To be brave in my speech and to be confident in how I speak. I have anxiety, but public speaking really has helped me to manage that. It’s also helped me be a leader.
The best piece of advice that I’ve ever received from my favorite public speaking professor, Michael Schaefer, is to believe in yourself even when it seems those around you don’t.
What do you admire most at UMKC?
What I admire most about UMKC is the diversity and inclusiveness of the faculty and staff here. UMKC has expanded my world view. I’m an ally to LGBTQ students, Latinx students and Dreamers.