New program starting small, making positive difference for students

A new program is seeking to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of black male students at UW-Green Bay — and participants say it’s already making a positive difference. The P.H.O.E.N.I.X. Black Male Initiative, co-directed by Multicultural Adviser Shawn Robinson and Assistant Prof. James Coates of Education, focuses on creating community among a small number of students who are eager to succeed but may lack a sense of belonging, Robinson said. “It’s really just an opportunity for the guys to get together each week and allow them to talk about things that impact them academically, socially or about their careers,” he said. “Our objective is to show them how they can be successful at this campus.” Our news feature has more details.