Frostburg State University: Dr. Travis’s New Laboratory

“Every day is a great day,” is Dr. Artie Travis, Frostburg State’s new Vice President of Student Affairs’ motto. “Even when it’s a bad day.”

He’s a family man that enjoys golfing and reading when he’s not taking in events put on by FSU’s student organizations. Laughing, Travis said he’ll have to find more hobbies here in Frostburg.

His story starts in the 1950s, pre-Civil Rights. Often referring to his family as “nomads”, Dr. Travis shared his childhood experiences – his mother and little brother Brett moved around the country heading from Danville, Illinois to Chicago then to Los Angeles and back east to Georgia and then back, often living with his grandparents in Illinois.

It was his grandpa that encouraged him to go to college. After growing up outside of “low-income Chicago,” his grandpa would say getting an education was the way of doing something different. It was from an early age his grandpa pushed for him to pursue higher education.

Now, he is the first college graduate in his family. As a first-generation college student, Travis discussed his lack of knowledge of FAFSA and other financial aid opportunities available. He couldn’t afford college, so he joined the Army to use veteran benefits. Serving the Army in Germany is where he took on leadership roles, shaping him into the person he is today.

Following his time in the Army, Travis attended Western Illinois University where he earned his B.S. and Masters in Political Science/Public Administration. He later earned his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. “It took a village,” Travis comments on his college endeavors. It was how he was able to do better than his parents. He used what he learned in his pursuits to help his brother who followed in his footsteps.

Pursuing higher education wasn’t his initial goal. Earning his Masters was the fallback after law school did not work out. Travis shared his experience with depression, commenting about the stigma he faced with those close to him telling him to “man-up.” Over 20 years later, though, he says times have changed as he went to see a counselor after his wife passed away two years ago.

He’s been in higher education since 1981, mentioning he has a passion for students as he shows thank you notes written from past students. Travis talked about going back to Bowie State to watch the last two of the students he mentored walk across the stage.

“Now, it’s my job to build connections with the Bobcats,” Dr. Travis mentioned with a smile after coming to FSU from Bowie State.

Travis talked about how he needs to “survey the landscape” and “learn the culture and learn the people.” He considers his leadership transformative as he doesn’t tell students what to do but “coaches, supports, leads, and advises” them through their college experience.

Recognizing what worked at previous institutions may not work at FSU, Travis aspires to create a “student-first, student-friendly” environment, continuing to say, “we are here for students.”  Travis compares Frostburg State to a laboratory – somewhere students can experiment in an open and supportive environment.

He hopes to implement an ROTC program, a mentorship program for male students, and encourage students to utilize FSU’s Career Services resource.

“We serve each and every student as best as we can, creating a safe environment, even on those bad days,” Travis concludes, smiling.