Phaon Spurlock, BS 2007

As one of Black Enterprise magazine’s 100 Modern Men of Distinction, Phaon describes
himself as a marketer, entrepreneur, college adjunct instructor, speaker and social
influencer. After receiving his BS in Organismal Biology in 2007, he worked for such
companies and clients as Prudential Financial, Nintendo, Major League Baseball, McDonalds,
Old Spice, Clinique, Island Def Jam Music Group and many more. Phaon has built several
successful companies of his own, including Prototype MKTG, a creative agency that
specializes in digital, experiential and multicultural marketing; and BKLYN LEAGUE,
a socially-conscious streetwear brand that sells fresh apparel, accessories and home
goods.

I chose to attend Southeastern because of the amazing pre-pharmacy program and also
because it was close to home (Baton Rouge, LA).

The most iconic place on campus that reminds me of my time spent at Southeastern is,
hands down, Friendship Circle. Friendship Circle (and the surrounding area) brings
so much joy to me because it’s the area that many organizations tailgate for homecoming.
It also happens to be the area where my first on-campus job was located. I also have
memories of riding on the Hammond fire truck around the circle when I was our beloved
mascot, Roomie.

The first is when I made the homecoming court in 2004. I will never forget being on
the homecoming court and all the excitement that came with it. The second was when
I was able to bring a major recording artist, Rick Ross, to the campus to perform
in the Student Center. I brought the artist to campus through my relationship with
Island Def Jam Music Group from a previous internship. I remember the campus buzzing
about the artist’s arrival and performance. It was the talk of the campus for weeks!

The person who inspired me while at Southeastern was Eric Summers, although he was
not a professor, he was very instrumental in my acclimation to Southeastern. Mr. Summers
was the Director of Multicultural and International Student Affairs and the faculty
leader for Project PULL. He became a mentor that I could go to for various questions
ranging from college related to general issues. He was selfless and really went out
of his way to help as many students as he could. He pushed me when I needed it and
was there to make sure that I was getting the most out of my college experience. I’m
truly grateful for Mr. Summers.

My program taught me fundamental skills of research and being efficient and diligent.
I was able to transfer my deep knowledge of research to marketing, which is crucial
for developing successful campaigns.

As a marketer, I love being able to let my mind run wild to create marketing campaigns.
The creative process of developing an experiential marketing is so freeing and liberating.
I also love seeing someone experience an activation that I developed. As an entrepreneur,
I love coming up with business ideas, developing a plan and seeing it through from
conception to execution. Both equally allow me to create things that can be shared
with the world, which gives me a lot of joy.

I was able to build a solid community of alumni that I still keep in touch with. Be
it my Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers, classmates or people from the organizations
I belonged to, we help and support each other through personal and professional obstacles.

I would say, surround yourself with people who are where you want to be or equally
as driven, stay hungry and humble and always be willing to lend a helping hand. Also,
make sure to have a mentor who can help guide you through your professional life.

In my free time, I enjoy Traveling and immersing myself into different cultures around
the world. Writing for online lifestyle magazine, LuxuriousPROTOTYPE. Hosting gatherings
for friends and family.

I was an actor and have been in over 12 films. I spoke at the White House. I sponsored
and helped plan the launch of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American
History and Culture.