Student Q and A: ASI Executive Vice President James Tompkins

Tompkins presented at a national conference about CSUB's Project Rebound

By California State University, Bakersfield

March 21^st, 2024

Associated Students Inc. Executive Vice President James Tompkins had the opportunity to present at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Annual Conference earlier this month in Seattle, Washington, about California State University, Bakersfield's Project Rebound, which supports formerly incarcerated students. Here is a Q&A with Tompkins about his experience at the conference and with ASI.

How did your participation in the conference come about?

Our ASI VP of University Affairs, Larry Gonzales, invited me to participate in the conference. Recidivism and system-impacted student success are topics that both of us are very passionate about since Larry and I work as mentors for Project Rebound. By working together, we felt we could deliver material representing multiple perspectives and demonstrate a proven support framework that leaders from other campuses could follow to support system-impacted students on their campuses.

Why did you want to participate?

The NASPA conference was an opportunity to share what CSUB and Project Rebound are doing amazingly to support system-impacted students and learn what has been successfully implemented at other campuses to support the vast array of student needs. It was also an amazing opportunity to network and form potential collaborations to bring resources and knowledge home to CSUB.

Why did you decide to speak about Project Rebound? Why is the program important to you?

As a system-impacted student, I understand firsthand the power education has to change a person’s life. In our current legal system, there are several resources in place to help individuals coming out of incarceration that aim to reduce recidivism— none are as powerful or as successful as education. Reflecting, I don’t know where I would be without CSUB and Project Rebound. For me, education was a lifeline that has empowered me to take charge of the future direction of my life. It has created professional and personal possibilities that I could have never dreamed of before. Simply, it has reignited hope.

I want everyone coming out of incarceration or battling addiction to have the same opportunity to experience what I have, so I carry that message wherever there is an opportunity to share it. In the future, I would love to see education as the cornerstone of rehabilitation. It is the only tool that can reignite individuals' imagination and hope while installing the skills to see dreams come true. If we genuinely want to challenge recidivism rates, education must become the backbone of recovery and reintegration.

How was your experience at the conference?

I was awestruck by the skill and innovation shared in supporting student success by so many professionals, presenters and other students. It was inspirational to know that so many people aim to design new strategies to support students in following their passions. It was also enriching to see a variety of perspectives collaborating, each incorporating pieces of others to come up with ideas that would support the unique needs of each campus. This conference comprised professionals who shared one purpose — student achievement.

My biggest takeaway is that it is essential to meet students where they are. Every student who comes to campus has a unique story, goals and needs. As student affairs professionals, our objective is to recognize the value of every student’s story, provide academic and professional training to support their goals, and do our best to meet students’ basic needs so that they can pursue their passions. Student affairs professionals support students no matter their perspective and are committed to providing the support every student needs.

Why did you want to get involved in student government on campus?

Student government serves as the voice of students and is the frontline organization that collaborates on amplifying those voices while maintaining a positive campus environment for every student. It is the training ground for future academic leaders. I believe it is the best organization to develop leadership skills and gain experience in meeting student needs while navigating the maze of rules and regulations that is higher education.

I wanted to get involved because I knew if I wanted to pursue student affairs as a profession, student government would help me develop those skills. Being with ASI also allows me to focus on students’ needs now in real time. I think every student has a responsibility to serve as a voice in driving how our campus grows and how it meets the needs of students. By being involved, I get to be a part of the mission of expanding student success and being one of those voices.

How has your experience been as executive vice president of ASI?

It has been a wild experience. Our board is fantastic. Every single executive and director is passionate about and committed to students. Every day, I learn as much from other student leaders as I do in my classes. Being part of a team that demonstrates a commitment to students in every action is a blessing.

Coming into this position mid-year has been a bit of a learning curve. There is a lot more paperwork than I initially thought, but truthfully, I feel supported in every decision we make. The level of collaboration I observe stands as an example of what every organization should look like. We all support each other. Even when we have different opinions, we work together to find the best solutions for students.

For anyone considering a career in academics, wanting to improve their leadership skills, or knowing they could bring a unique perspective as a student voice, I highly recommend contacting ASI. We need students like you and welcome everyone who wants to get involved.

What are your career goals?

Like many students, it isn’t expressly clear. I know I love doing research. Focusing on student success is a passion, and I love the academic environment. So, my long-term goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in either experimental social psychology or student affairs so that I can become a professor or student affairs professional. In either avenue, I would get to do what I love, support student success. In the short term, I have applied for CSUB’s Master in Social Work program. I think this program also offers a lot of skills development that will be beneficial in whatever path I end up following.