TROY PICKENS ’13 “There were people in high positions that helped lead me and mold me to how I am now.”
T
roy Pickens says that FSU has nurtured his passion for leadership and taught him the importance of networking. “How many universities can you go to where the Chancellor of the University calls you by name and calls you one of his stars? When he said that, I was blown away.”
Troy chose FSU because he wanted to go to a historically black college, and as a first generation college student, he was determined to graduate debt-free. He’s been awarded federal Pell grants, Chancellor James A. Anderson’s special talent scholarship for his singing and a scholarship from the N.C. Black Caucus. He did a work-study program in the admissions office and for the University’s shuttle. He also works at a local car dealership. Troy sings in the University Concert Choir, the University Men’s Ensemble “Men of Distinction,” and the a cappella Opera Workshop. This year marks his third year representing FSU in “105 voices of History,” the Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ national concert choir. He joined the Student Government Association his freshman year and has served as senator and as chair of the Business and Finance Committee. He was chosen for the Royal Court his sophomore year and his junior year was named Mr. FSU. He’s chapter president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and he volunteered during the summer with AmeriCorps as a theater instructor for the Upward Bound camp for low income kids. At FSU, Troy has met exchange students from China, and he’s performed at the N.C. Governor’s mansion. “FSU has helped me with resume-building, team building and leadership skills—three things I know will continue to push me forward. The leadership roles have taught me to give my all.” Music education major with a concentration in voice
Future: Graduate program and PhD in musicology
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proud to be