ASU-Beebe “Life as a Vanguard” series introduces Augustus ‘Gus’ Harris, SGA President
By Keaton Belote, marketing student intern
Augustus “Gus”Harris from Carlisle, is a first-generation college student, pursuing a degree in agriculture education with plans toward a career in education.
Known for his servant leadership, Gus serves as the Student Government President at ASU-Beebe. He also serves as a resident assistant (RA), admissions ambassador, leadership scholar, and is an active member of the Ag Club and Future Educators Club.
Harris also received the ASU-Beebe Academic All-Star Award for the Arkansas Community Colleges in October.
Hometown & Early Education
Harris had many teachers who inspired his desire to be a teacher himself.
“Leadership has always been something I was a part of, but I stepped more into it when I was placed in a difficult situation,” he recounts.
It was Harris’ senior year, with him involved in band and serving as color guard captain. That year, the band director left, and students dropped out upon the arrival of their replacement.
“The band director I knew left. I stayed in the band but had to really step into my leadership, which changed me. I learned to stand up for things I believed in, as well as the value of defusing a situation,” Harris says.
Harris admits he never considered college as an option due to the expense. However, he eventually chose ASU-Beebe thanks to its affordability and location.
“While in high school, I had already met several people through the college Upward Bound program, and was familiar with the campus,” Harris said. “Also, the campus is close to my hometown and family.”
Harris related a recent incident at his family’s farm, where he had to go home and help with the birth of a calf.
“On a farm, you just never know when you may be needed, so this was just one instance where it was good to be close enough to help,” Harris said.
Experiences
Harris’ first semester as an RA was an opportunity he used to get to know other students. He described decorating his dorm door and later discovering fellow residents who became RAs doing the same, an example of the impact made. Additionally, as an RA, he is prepared to assist students whenever and wherever required.
“I carry a phone, and if a student needs help but doesn’t know who to call, I can assist with that. Or if they are locked out at any time, or any issues, I can be contacted to help. It is a position where you have the chance to help and maybe inspire others to help,” Harris said.
Why ASU-Beebe
Harris is glad to have chosen ASU-Beebe.
“The college provides students many opportunities to get to know other students, teachers and even those in the community. It is about the connections you make through getting involved in and out of the classroom,” Harris said.
Inspirations
Harris’ greatest inspiration is his parents. According to him, they made mistakes in their lives, but they didn’t hide that from him.
“Your family background does not have to define who you are. My parents also inspired me to help others and to treat others kindly, even if you don’t share the same opinions. They never went to college, but they have encouraged me to attend,” he remarked.
SGA President Role
“I am proud of the SGA leadership for the many accomplishments this year. My focus as president of SGA is to be a helper to the other leaders and committee chairs,” Harris said.
During the second semester, Harris met with the committee chairs and discussed what they wanted to accomplish that semester and the following year.
“The students really came together last April to support the first Renaissance Fair. This was an event to build community and a chance to potentially raise money for the Student Emergency Hope Fund, which directly benefits ASU-Beebe students,” Harris said.
In addition, the SGA and Student Life led the Campus Cares initiative in the fall to gather food for the food pantry and monetary donations for the Student Emergency Hope Fund. When the Career Pathways program was temporarily shut down, the SGA provided affected students with a one-time travel voucher to lessen the impact of this change.
“The SGA also organizes smaller campus activities throughout the year, such as karaoke night and casino night,” Harris said. “These activities encourage students from across the campus to engage and interact with one another.”
Agriculture Education
Harris has always wanted to do something that involved animals, helping others or the environment. By his own admission, he loves learning about the world and its mysteries.
Regarding agriculture, he has learned about agriculture-- things like vaccines, castrations, or equipment management -- from both personal experience and through ASU-Beebe. To this end, he plans to transfer to Southern Arkansas University, striving for a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and a master’s in educational leadership. Harris recalls having met the president of SAU at the board of higher education event hosted at ASU-Beebe and hearing him speak about SAU and all it had to offer.
“It seems like a perfect fit,” Harris remarked.
Advice
“ASU-Beebe is a steppingstone of your educational journey, with low debt and a chance to create social networks,” Harris said. “Don’t struggle but reach out and build your network. Take the opportunity to speak to others. ASU-Beebe is a great place, and it can be a life-changing experience. Just put yourself out there. Your teachers want to help you succeed-so ask them questions.”
“Anyone can be a leader,” Harris said. “I’ve learned that while I succeed, others also succeed. Support others so that they can then carry that forward. Basically, just be the best you can be to help others be their best.”
Harris’ passion for helping others continues to shape his journey as a student and future educator.
Fun Fact
Harris has a passion for music and instruments and plays many -- the trumpet, bass clarinet, trombone, clarinet, harmonica, flute, ukulele and guitar being a few notable examples. He can also imitate the call of a peacock and mimic many other animal sounds.
When asked, Harris’ goal is “to be the sun in everyone’s life.”
Life as a Vanguard is a social media series produced by the ASU-Beebe Office of Marketing and Public Relations. These are ‘get to know’ articles of interest about students, faculty, and staff within the Vanguard campus community. Nominations may be sent to pr@asub.edu.
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