Best and Brightest: Jordan Pinckney

Jordan Pinckney

Assistant Director of the Lib Jackson Student Union

Coastal Carolina University

Grand Strand

Age 29

I am a proud Charleston native who found a new home in Conway through Coastal Carolina University in 2015. After graduating in 2019, my journey at Coastal continued as a staff member. From recruiting students to now being a part of their journey every day on campus as assistant director of the Student Union, I have had the privilege of serving CCU and its students in many different capacities. The role that brings me the most joy, however, is advising the African American Initiative for Men, an initiative created by the late, great Travis Overton. In this role, I have the opportunity to serve as a positive role model and mentor to young Black men at CCU who are committed to bettering themselves and their community. Beyond Coastal, I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving as vice president of the Mu Epsilon Lambda Chapter in Horry County. I am also an entrepreneur and talent manager for JETTY-nominated artist Streets Love. Through each of these roles, I pursue my passion for creating opportunities, building connections, and serving others.

Favorite Quote and Why: "You either think you can do it, or you think you can't, either way you're right." I love this quote because we truly are a reflection of our own thoughts. We are our own worst enemy, there is nobody that can stop you but you!

Definition of a Successful Leader: To me a successful leader is someone who can create a team that can operate just as efficiently even without his presence. A leader doesn't always have to be the one in the front or the face, but he knows how to get the best results out of his team, and his team can get the best out of each other. A leader understands that he is nothing without his team, and his team understands their value as individuals on the team.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: Make mistakes! Don't be afraid of falling, you're going to fall, but you better get back up! My best lessons from life came from the moments where I felt like I messed up or didn't get it right the first time.