THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Marcus Board Jr (AM’07, PhD’17)
Marcus Board Jr.’s journey to the University of Chicago began with a deep-seated passion for political science, rooted in a desire to understand government and power as tools for social change. “Even before I turned 17, I believed that understanding government and power was crucial for anyone who wanted to change the world,” he reflects. Initially, he thought that studying political science would unlock the secrets to revolution. However, his undergraduate experiences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) reshaped his aspirations and ultimately led him to UChicago and the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS).
At first, Marcus thought he would enter a PhD program directly after undergraduate, but he was not accepted to his top-choice program, UChicago Political Science. He was instead admitted to MAPSS, and admits he took a risk by deciding to join an MA program rather than another PhD program. His decision to join the MAPSS program stemmed from a desire to study with renowned faculty, particularly Michael Dawson. “The relationships I built and the people I met there have been lifelong blessings,” he shares, emphasizing how his professors encouraged him to think critically and creatively. During his year in MAPSS, he enrolled in a Political Science Department PhD sequence, and secured strong recommendation letters for a subsequent PhD application. Ultimately, he returned to Chicago where he completed in PhD in 2017.
Throughout his studies, Marcus honed skills that he now applies in his professional life as a tenured professor and community advocate. His thesis on neighborhood poverty and African American attitudes toward police was supported by Dawson and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community during his time at UChicago. “The university itself, especially the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, was a crucial space for me,” he notes, reflecting on how these environments fostered his growth. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere helped him cultivate a nuanced understanding of social justice issues that informs his current work with Not Me We, an organization dedicated to advocacy for tenant and educational rights.
As he looks back on his transformative experience at UChicago, Marcus offers invaluable advice to prospective students: “Find a faculty member who can validate, encourage, and cultivate your ideas.” He believes that developing a supportive community is essential for navigating the challenges of graduate school. Marcus emphasizes the importance of self-care and community care. “Don’t let your worth be determined by someone else’s validation,” he warns, encouraging students to prioritize their well-being and find joy in their connections with others. Through his UChicago journey, Marcus has not only built a successful academic career but has also forged meaningful relationships that continue to enrich his professional and personal life.