"see blue." #selfie: Patrick Smith

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 16, 2016) — Want to get to know the people behind some of the biggest student leadership positions on campus? We did, too! That's why we're excited to introduce "see blue." #selfie - a brand new series on UKNow that lets student leaders from across campus tell us a little bit more about themselves and their organizations. Today meet National Pan-Hellenic Council President Patrick Smith.

Patrick Smith, a junior finance and management major from East St. Louis, Illinois, serves as the 2015-16 University of Kentucky National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) President. We sat down with Smith to get to know the student leader behind the NPHC title. This dedicated, outgoing and zealous leader relays his passion for his involvement at UK in his "see blue." #selfie!

UKNow: What is your major and where are you from?

Patrick Smith: I'm a junior finance and management major from East St. Louis, Illinois.

UK: What position do you hold on the National Pan-Hellenic Council?

PS: I am president of NPHC, which is a job that oversees everything and relationships with other councils. It's the figure head for the council.

UK: When did you become involved with the National Pan-Hellenic Council?

PS: Well, I first initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. By being initiated, I was a member of NPHC, then I became president this year…so I'm going on two years!

UK: Why are you so passionate about this organization? 

PS: Going back to Kappa, I have always wanted to be a member of the fraternity since I was young. I grew up around a lot of Kappas, so that made an influence on me. I started going to meetings and learning about different organizations. That made me want to get into the position to be a leader. So, I would say, being involved in a minority organization, I wanted to voice opinions on issues around campus.

UK: What is your favorite part about your position? 

PS: I get to meet new people and be out on campus interacting with freshmen and others. Also, I like showcasing what we have to offer and reaching out to other people. One issue that I see when I interact with others is diversity on campus. We still have a long way to go. As a council, this is one thing we want to address. We can be pivotal in helping the campus get to where it needs to be.

UK: What made you decide to come to UK from out-of-state? 

PS: I was a big UK basketball fan. It was a culture shock, but I felt a sense of home and could see myself here for four years. Everyone is friendly, the scenery is great and the campus has great things to offer.

UK: What's your most frequently used emoji?

PS: Probably between the clapping hands one and the shrugging smiley face one.

UK: What are three things you consider essentials for any student on campus?

PS: A phone charger, of course, snacks and my laptop. No matter what, those will get you through the day. You'll be fine.

UK: What is your favorite class you have ever taken at UK? 

PS: Probably, "Accounting 301." It is a hard class but my teacher, Jane Wells, was a really good teacher and she helped me appreciate it, which led me to understand what I wanted to do and why. The class also taught me to work hard because nothing slides in that class!

UK: Are there any other organizations on campus that you're involved in? 

PS: I'm a member of Kappa, involved in Student Government Association and the National Association of Black Accounting.

UK: Growing up, what did you want to be?

PS: Lawyer. I've always wanted to be one; and I still want to be one.

UK: Who is your all-time favorite UK basketball player?

PS: John Wall.

UK: What is your favorite thing you like to do off campus in the Lexington community? 

PS: Keeneland. Coming from out-of-state, I thought it was the most awkward and bizarre thing ever. Now, it's something I look forward to!

UK: It's noon and you find yourself on campus. Where are you going to grab some lunch?

PS: Einstein Bagels.

UK: Where is your favorite place to study on campus?

PS: Probably the study room in Gatton. They transformed that into a brand new facility!

UK: What is one thing you know as a junior that you would tell an incoming freshman? 

PS: Get involved — like everyone says. That's the one way to meet new people and grow up. It helps you mature and gives you more responsibility, purpose and a great feeling. Get involved. Coming from out-of-state to UK from a place where only a handful of people come, coming alone, this helped me meet people and stay busy. 

"see blue." #selfies will appear every other Tuesday on UKNow. Know a student leader we should feature? Contact Rebecca Stratton at rebecca.stratton@uky.edu to nominate someone.