I am a student at heart and look forward to learning from the students and hearing their insights and outlook on the topics we discuss. I am just grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the fall.
This fall when Jowaun Gamble, ’16, G’18, returns to his alma mater and steps into the classroom, things will feel a bit different.
That’s because Gamble, who currently works as a family intervention specialist, won’t be taking a seat and waiting for the professor to start class. Instead, he will be the one at the helm.
“I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Bridgewater State University as a student, now I have the privilege to educate. Everything comes full circle,” he said.
Gamble’s relationship with Bridgewater State didn’t initially start out the way he wanted.
“I always heard that BSU had an advanced criminal justice program and a diverse campus,” he said. “Bridgewater State was one of the first schools I applied to, but unfortunately did not get accepted.”
So, he enrolled at another institution instead. After earning his associate degree, he tried to get into Bridgewater again. This time he was accepted and transferred to BSU.
Gamble said Bridgewater challenged him academically and helped him reach his potential.
“I learned skills that translated into the real world…. Most importantly, professors encouraged me to get outside my comfort zone and to become comfortable being uncomfortable,” he said.
As a professor now himself, Gamble looks to adopt a similar approach. He plans to teach a class on juvenile delinquency within the criminal justice department.
“Students will learn to think independently and conceptualize their own opinions,” he said.
Gamble looks forward to teaching in the discipline in which he earned both his degrees.
“I’ve wanted to teach at BSU since I completed grad school,” he said. “I have a passion for educating, coaching, and mentoring. I believe I can relate with students; I was just in their seat four years ago.”
Gamble will also continue his work as founder and CEO of Community Youth Empowerment Inc, a local nonprofit organization that focuses on mentorship, youth development, youth leadership and community engagement.
“We strive to collaborate with community leaders and provide resources to uplift, support, and ensure youth success,” he said.
In any role he serves, Gamble said the goal is always to give back, to guide others, and reveal the possibilities – whether that’s through his organization or helping guide BSU students in the classroom.
“I am a student at heart and look forward to learning from the students and hearing their insights and outlook on the topics we discuss. I am just grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the fall,” he said.
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