Editor’s note: In honor of Black History Month, the Daily is running a five-part series on influential and prominent African Americans in the ISU community. Today’s story profiles student leader Paxton Williams, senior in political science and communications studies.

A person of many talents and interests, Paxton Williams is a true student-activist at Iowa State.

Well-known around campus, Williams is described as a charismatic individual by his friend Chad Harris, junior in political science and pre-law.

“When Paxton walks in a room, people notice him because he has a smile on his face and takes a genuine interest in people when he meets them,” Harris said.

Williams, senior in political science and communications studies, said he chose to come to Iowa State because it was a place that would allow him to “learn and grow.” While on a campus visit, he said the university community was very friendly. It was this congeniality that brought Williams to Ames from Merrillville, Ind.

At Iowa State, he has found his niche.

“I am a community-oriented person,” Williams said. “I enjoy being an active participant in things going on around me. That’s why I’m involved in the political process.”

Some of the positions he holds include campaign adviser for Government of the Student Body presidential candidate Ben Golding, current president of the Mortar Board National Honor Society, Democratic Party activities and Student Alumni Association Committee member, just to name a few.

Jim Hutter, associate professor in political science, said Williams excels in a wide variety of areas. “Paxton is a man of unusual resources,” Hutter said. “He excels in academics, is a proven leader in many venues and is one of the most well-rounded men I have ever met.”

This past week, Williams was rewarded for his efforts in the ISU community by the Student Alumni Association when he received the Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award, which is given out to five outstanding seniors.

“It is a great feeling to know that one can be rewarded by working hard and doing what one enjoys,” Williams said.

But Williams also has a creative side. He is working on a one-man play about George Washington Carver, which was inspired by Sande McNabb, retired professor in forestry and plant pathology. Williams went with McNabb to visit Carver’s hometown in a class McNabb taught about Carver.

Williams said he believed a play would be something unique he could share with others.

“The play will raise awareness about the struggles Carver faced,” Williams said. “Most people know he was a great man but don’t know about the struggles he overcame to share his brilliance with the rest of the world. Carver was a true trailblazer.”

Williams said he can relate to Carver’s personality and work ethic, which is one reason he chose to portray him.

“Carver has many traits to be admired,” Williams said. “He’s a hard worker and dedicated his life to improve others’ — I feel that I can relate with that.”

The play, which is currently untitled, will be performed by Williams at the Maintenance Shop, located in the Memorial Union, during Veishea weekend.

With all of these activities under his belt, Williams doesn’t sense that the color of his skin has held him back from achieving his goals.

“I think that if someone is qualified and will work hard, that’s what most people at Iowa State look for,” he said. “If someone is motivated, dedicated and willing to work with others to get the job done, race isn’t important.

“When organizations seek a more diverse makeup of people, race may be a factor that is looked at when looking for individuals’ viewpoints,” Williams said. “However, all factors must be weighed so the most qualified people who will give the most to the organization are a part of it. Also, when there are different backgrounds represented, it is harder for group-think to occur.”

Williams’ future looks promising; he plans on going to a public policy school. Public policy, he said, is defined as “drawing government relations, corporate structures and everyday American policy together.”

Harris said Williams’ experiences and background has helped make him the man he is today.

“Paxton had very interesting experiences growing up,” he said. “That allowed him to gain a unique perspective on life.”