By Rebecca Stratton

(April 12, 2016) — Want to get to know the people behind some of the biggest student leadership positions on campus? We did, too! That's why we're excited to introduce "see blue." #selfie — a brand new series on UKNow that lets student leaders from across campus tell us a little bit more about themselves and their organizations. This week, the 2016 president of the Black Student Union, Jeremiah Pickett.

Jeremiah Pickett, a junior political science major from the south suburbs of Chicago, is this year's Black Student Union (BSU) president at the University of Kentucky. Pickett strives to take on the task of nurturing others during their time at UK. He's always open to helping out where he can, catching a good movie at his favorite theater in Lexington and building community by investing in his friends and peers. Learn more about Pickett in his "see blue." #selfie!

UKNow: What is your major and where are you from?

Jeremiah Pickett: I'm from the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and I'm a political science major. I'm a junior.

UK: Tell me about your position in Black Student Union.

JP: As president of UK BSU, I am pretty much the representative of the issues across campus as well as administratively in our organization. I delegate and handle situations as they arrive. As soon as someone in the organization needs me, they can get in touch with me! Everyone knows that.

UK: When did you become involved with BSU?

JP: My involvement began my sophomore year when I held the position of political action chair. During that election, I was nominated and elected as president for this year.

UK: Why are you so passionate about this organization? 

JP: What makes me so passionate about it is the activities that we put on and the events that bring out blacks on campus. It fuels me! I think that the events help everyone get to the next place they want to be in their lives.  

UK: In your own words, how does BSU benefit our campus?

JP: As a whole, we are one of the largest minority organizations on campus. Our duty is to nurture. We are trying to expand to show people that we are catering to more than blacks.

UK: What was your favorite part about the organization?

JP: I would say exec board meetings with the leadership team and chairs. We still get business done, but we are more relaxed and chilled and we get to hang out for an hour and a half. That definitely is my favorite part.

UK: Are there any teachers or staff members that have made a positive impact on your time here at UK?

JP: I have three — our faculty advisors and one of my political science teachers. Our advisors, Kahlil Baker and Asia Payne, impact a lot of what we do. And Richard Waterman, one of my political science teachers, wants students to succeed. He will have a conversation with you despite your political interest. He just is there to talk and help you out.

UK: If you had a movie about your life, what would the title be? 

JP: Probably "The Third in Succession." Yup, that's good! I would go see that!  

UK: How much planning goes on behind the scenes for BSU events? 

JP: Behind the scenes, we come up with a topic first. Once that's decided, from there the planning and coordination starts. We reach outside of BSU, talking to the Lexington community or other organizations, reserving room. We spend a lot of time coordinating to make it a well-planned event. Out biggest event is Saturday — it's the Apollo Talent Show. Now in year 17, it's become a statewide thing with contestants from all over the state. It's in the Singletary Center with a celebrity guest host for intermission. It's a time of fellowship, fashion, talents and acts.

UK: Outside of BSU, what has been one of your favorite events on campus?

JP: I enjoy Campus Ruckus and I think it's because you get to see the incoming freshman and all their interests! It's one of the first times returning students will all be together, too. It's a good time to see everyone before school starts!

UK: Growing up, what did you want to be?

JP: I wanted to be a chef. I wanted to be that for the longest time!

UK: What's your dream job now? 

JP: Now, I would like to be a staffer for an elected official in Congress.  

UK: What's your favorite thing you like to do off campus? 

JP: Going to the movies either at Regal or the Movie Tavern because of the seats!

UK: What's your favorite late night place to grab a bite to eat?

JP:  My friends and I always space it out. One night it might be McDonalds, or O'Charley's for free pie Wednesdays, or Steak-n-Shake!

UK: If you could make anything a national holiday, what would it be?

JP:  If I had to make a national holiday, I would want to have one in January in remembrance of Obama's inauguration or November when he was elected!

UK: What is your favorite vacation spot? 

JP: My family owns a RV. One of my favorite parts about that RV is when we take it to Stone Mountain, Georgia. We go there frequently!

UK: Since we celebrated Opening Day last week, which MLB team are you rooting for this year? 

JP: I'm a White Sox fan by default.

UK: Do you have any advice for incoming freshman?

JP: I have two! Looking back on what I wish I would have known, first I would say to ask questions to anyone about anything while you're in college. In college, this is one of the places you're going to grow the most to set you up for when you graduate. Get those questions out now while you have some free time to figure out what's going on in your life. On the academic side of things, remember that office hours change grades. If there's a time when you see you're struggling, get the help. Ask the teacher or go see them! I tell everyone "go see your teacher!"

"see blue." #selfies will appear every other Tuesday on UKNow. Know a student leader we should feature? Contact Rebecca Stratton at rebecca.stratton@uky.edu to nominate someone.