Trying to get an audience with Darryl Cherry, if you’re not a student, can prove to be a lesson in patience. That’s because the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student advisor always seems immersed in his number one priority – the academic success of minority students.
It’s a mission he takes on with almost religious fervor, and is one reason that he has earned a spot among the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. Cherry will be among a small, select group of African American men who will be inducted into the prestigious group on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Marriott Hotel in St. Louis.
100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis is a non-profit, community-based organization, “whose mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all. The membership is comprised of a diverse group of men including business executives, community leaders, entrepreneurs, clergy and elected officials.”
“Education is a game changer! People fought and died so that African Americans could have access to quality education,” said Cherry, coordinator of retention and academic advisor for SIUE’s Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR). “Supporting, advocating for and empowering youth – especially in the area of social welfare and education, have been my calling and life’s work.”
SOAR is an academic program dedicated to helping students excel during their educational experiences at SIUE, explained Cherry, who also serves as advisor to the SIUE Collegiate 100 Chapter, an auxiliary organization that extends the 100 Black Men’s mission on college and university campuses across the country.
“Darryl is incredibly intuitive and knowledgeable when it comes to student needs,” said Earleen Patterson, PhD, SOAR director. “He is a passionate, driven, spiritual individual who encourages the growth of potential and success in students and others. Students view and treat Darryl with trust and respect, because he is honest with them and encourages his students to persevere despite any and all challenges.”
Howard Rambsy II, PhD, professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, echoes some of Patterson’s high praise of Cherry. “He’s deeply committed to our students. Students appreciate that he has genuine concern for their well-being. They also value that he is extremely supportive of their endeavors,” said Rambsy, who has worked on several student projects with Cherry. “He also enjoys thinking creatively about problem solving.
“The 100 Black Men organization has been doing positive, remarkable work in the lives of young people and African American communities for decades,” Rambsy concluded. “The organization’s values and commitments coincide with Darryl’s. The award recognizes his longstanding contributions, and at the same time, the organization has much to gain by drawing on the resourcefulness and success of someone like Darryl Cherry.”
Cherry also draws from the obstacles and challenges he’s had to overcome when helping and motivating students, according to Patterson.
“Despite dwelling in a society that regularly marginalizes and villainizes black males, Darryl is living proof that black men can defeat stereotypes and limited opportunities and achieve greatness,” she added.
“Joining the 100 Black Men gives me the opportunity to partner with like-minded professionals to leverage our collective talents and resources towards cultural pride, leadership development, increased graduation rates and economic empowerment,” said Cherry.
Cherry, a minister and growth group leader at New Life Community Church in East St. Louis, began his career in 1992. He served as a youth worker, and later director of the Youth-In-Action after-school and summer youth program at the East St. Louis Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House. He later worked as a Foster Care and Adoption coordinator for the Children’s Home and Aide Society of Illinois (CHASI).
Cherry has spent the last 16 years working in education. From 2000 -2015, he worked as a TRIO Upward Bound counselor at St. Louis Community College and then as the TRIO Upward Bound director at the SIUE East St. Louis Center, where he helped to prepare, send, and support hundreds of students into post-secondary institutions. TRIO Upward Bound is a federally funded, year-round college preparation and access program supporting first generation low-income participants.
In 2015, Cherry transitioned into his role with SOAR, where he develops, mentors and supports students towards realizing their dreams of earning a college degree. He is particularly passionate about his mentoring African American males and his role with the Collegiate 100.
Photo: Darryl Cherry, coordinator in SIUE’s Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) program.