Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Full Name: Darren Abram Luke Oliver.
Age: 24.
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, Fla.
Residence: Macon.
Family: Mom, Paula; sister, Kristen; and niece, Kendra.
Current Employment: Technical services associate, Macon State College Library.
Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in public service.
Class Rank: Junior.
Activities: President, Macon State Student African American Brotherhood. The group’s aims include improving the retention of young black men in college.
Career Goals: “My dream career lies anywhere within the counseling realm. I would love to be a school counselor because I am ‘young at heart,’ a good listener, and love to work face to face with people.”
He chose Macon State College because … “It is very affordable.”
The one thing that surprised him about Macon State was … “The toughness of the curriculum. The instructors challenge you daily.”
His favorite professor is … “Dr. James Floyd because of his straight-forwardness and laid-back teaching style. I am also a fan of his sense of humor.”
His favorite place to study is … “Upstairs in the Library because it is quiet.”
One thing people don't know about him is … “I have quite a few tattoos, none of which are visible when I have a shirt on. In addition, most people do not know that I enjoy reading in my free time.”
His friends make fun of him about … “The shape of my head, which is the reason I’ve carried ‘peanut’ as a nickname throughout my life.”
The one person he’d most like to meet is … “Former NFL coach Tony Dungy because I admire his integrity, spirituality, and leadership. Larry David is another person I would love to meet. He is a genius of comedy.”
Five years from now he sees himself … “Working as a high school counselor anywhere in my home state of Florida.”