KINGSTON, R.I. – May 8, 2007 – University of Rhode Island senior Mizraim Farley said he will get into graduate school and nothing will get in his way.

Such a pronouncement from the former captain of the Rhody football team who was twice honored as a member of the Dean’s List should surprise no one. Leadership appears to come naturally to the Daphne, Ala. resident.

“I am planning on graduate school to pursue a degree in psychology or counseling,” said one of the team leaders in tackles for 2006.

He might wait a year before entering graduate school, however. “I might work at a school in my hometown,” he said.

“I am very confident about my academic preparation here,” Farley said. “URI will help me get wherever I want to go.

“The professors helped me prepare. They are willing to help as long as you ask for help. This is a very good environment for studying.”

He credited Margaret Rogers, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, with sparking his interest in a variety of social issues. “She had me researching topics like racial profiling in Rhode Island and gay marriage.

“I see her every day, so I am trying to learn the most from her before I graduate,” said Farley, who graduates from URI this month. ”She has offered to help me in any way she can. She really cares about me.”

This semester, Farley has been one of only four men in Rogers’ psychology of women course. “Mizraim has an openness to issues, an openness to understanding complex social issues, an openness to learning new things—is very respectful, and I appreciate that about him,” the professor said.

The class this semester is one of three Farley has taken with her.

“He is a terrific all around person,” Rogers said. “I had a chance to meet his family when they came up for his final football game. He loves his parents and he has a very strong relationship with them. He is a very good student, quiet and reserved.”

With his laid back sense of humor and strong work ethic, Rogers said, “He has great promise and he can lead. The fact that he was elected co-captain of the football team speaks to his character.”

Voted by his teammates as the outstanding linebacker by his 2006 teammates, Farley values his time as a member of the Rams. “It was a good experience because we were a close team, and even though our records didn’t show it, we had some pretty good teams here. We just lost some close games. I am still connected to the team, and I think I will remain connected.

Being picked as captain for the 2006 season by his teammates was a major honor he said. “They picked me because I stay out of trouble and I listen to the coaches,” he said with a laugh.

“Even as a grad student and beyond, I want to stay active in the game so coaching young people is a possibility,” said Farley, who finished among the top 20 tacklers in the Atlantic 10 in 2006.

Coach Tim Stowers called him an outstanding team leader. “He was with us for only two years because he was a junior college transfer, but he had a major impact on the team in a short period of time,” the coach said.

“He has talked about coaching, being a guidance counselor and he would excel in those fields because he connects with people. He’s also very well rounded and respected by others.”

Pictured above
Mizraim Farley of Daphne, Ala. Pauses for a photo after talking about his football and academic accomplishments at the University of Rhode Island. URI News Bureau photo by Joe Giblin.