Myles Hairston ’16, MBA student
Notably known for her singing capability and roles in “Creed,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” and the long-running series, “The Cosby Show,” Phylicia Rashad braved Winter Storm Jonas in an effort to educate, inspire and promote student welfare by speaking about “The Business of Show Business.”
Reminding students of the never-ending importance of dedication and commitment, Rashad appeared at Shenandoah University on Jan. 25 as the featured speaker for the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business Distinguished Lecture Series. The series is a staple business school event and free and open to the public.
Community leaders, business and performing arts students and others eagerly packed Stimpson Auditorium on a grey and snowy Monday evening to hear Miles Davis, Ph.D., dean of the school of business, interview the Tony Award-winning actress.
As the interview began, Dr. Davis expressed to Rashad his desire to understand why she persevered in coming to Shenandoah University, even after the winter storm cancelled several of her flights. Rashad said her actions reflect a belief very important to her: “When you tell someone you are going to be there, you show up.”
Rashad imparted life lessons from her childhood about work ethic.“Work gives purpose and meaning to life,” she said, noting that she learned from her parents as she watched them work. And from her mother specifically, she grew to understand that, “the work is the career, the work is unending, and you must keep working.”
The audience quietly listened to Rashad speak eloquently about the major importance of budgeting time, while shining light on all the unmentioned aspects of show business, revealing that one must understand that success is not immediate, but a process with many levels that are often overlooked.
Following the interview, the program shifted into a question-and-answer segment. One of the earliest questions, asked by student Jordan McCaskill, reflected recent headlines about the lack of diversity in the Oscar nominations. “Where does the responsibility lie for a lack of diverse representation in Oscar nominees this year?” McCaskill asked. Rashad responded by repeatedly asking her “What is your responsibility as an artist?” and “When do you feel most creative?” The answer Rashad offered was, “You feel most creative when you are invested in your art form, right?” She went on to state, “What has that got to do with a statue?”
Rashad encouraged students to invest in themselves and to take as many roles they are allowed. “Do everything child – do it while you can,” she answered when a student asked her how many activities she should be involved in at Shenandoah University.
Rashad wrapped up the evening with photos and last-minute conversations.
The entire evening revealed that Rashad is more than an actress, more than a singer, and more than a director. She is a woman who helps and encourages everyone she encounters to do more than just crack the surface, but to dig deeper within his or her heart to find the answers to the questions they are exploring.