Plenty Bull named Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month

Plenty Bull said he chose CSC for many reasons important to him. The college is reputable in his field of study, affordable, and close to home.

Growing up with parents in law enforcement and watching television series about forensic evidence investigation experts, Plenty Bull said he found his passion for criminal justice at a young age.

“My parents definitely inspired me. My dad is a cop and my mom used to be on the force. Just hearing stories about how my dad was such a great officer was really inspiring to me,” Plenty Bull said. “I also used to watch Forensic Files, CSI, and investigative shows with my mom, and I always found those really interesting.”

Plenty Bull’s choice of creative writing as a minor came from his passion for writing short stories.

“Some people have noticed I tend to write a lot and thought creative writing would be a good choice for me to help advance the writing I do in my free time,” Plenty Bull said. “I have always liked reading suspense and thriller genres, so creating those types of stories has always been really interesting to me.”

After graduating from CSC, Plenty Bull plans to either continue his education by attending graduate school or find a job pertaining to his degree.

Plenty Bull is a Resident Advisor (RA) which he describes as being both rewarding and challenging.

“I wanted to become an RA when I was a freshman because I wanted to have a positive influence on people,” Plenty Bull said. “This is my first semester as an RA so I’m still working on being more active with my residents, but I’ve enjoyed it so far.”

Emily Hansen, an assistant director of residence life at CSC, appreciates Plenty Bull’s work.

“Vernon is always willing to help out,” Hansen said. “He values communication and frequently helps his coworkers and students. We are so thankful to have him as an RA.”

Plenty Bull also works as a campus security officer, a job that has helped introduce him to a career in criminal justice.

When he isn’t busy with school or campus activities, he enjoys playing video games.

“When my dad was serving in the military, he bought one of the first PlayStation models,” Plenty Bull said. “He was honorably discharged before I was born, so the PlayStation ended up at our house and my sister and I would play it sometimes. Next thing I knew, we were all getting into video games.”

Having an interest in forensics, Plenty Bull has found Professor of Justice Studies Dr. James Wada to be a favorite instructor.

Wada is impressed with Plenty Bull’s work.

“Vernon is the type of student any faculty would want to have in his or her classes,” Wada said. “Vernon is hard working, always thinking, always trying to improve, and pays attention to detail. Every year he gets better, and I know he will continue to do so. With that said, when Vernon finishes at CSC, I have no doubts he will go on to do great things in whatever field he chooses.”

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.