CBSHS Alumni Spotlight: Communication alumnus turns passion for people and communities into career in nonprofit sector

Meet Edward Phillips, 2012 graduate of the Department of Communication and chief development officer for City of Refuge, a faith-based nonprofit to support families transitioning out of crisis.

Edward Phillips ’12 always knew his academic journey would lead to Clemson University. Growing up in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, he was an avid Tiger fan and regularly attended home athletic events with his family. After his older sister attended Clemson, he thought he had a clear plan for his future – to follow in her footsteps and pursue a degree in special education.

During his first year, Phillips developed a sense of belonging among his peers and became actively involved in Clemson FCA, a student-led ministry on campus, which opened doors for him to volunteer in underserved communities across the United States. He also served on the organization’s mission trip planning committee where he became inspired to travel and volunteer internationally.  

As a sophomore, Phillips boarded a plane for the first time in his life and flew to Kenya to serve with a nonprofit organization in remote, rural villages by leading children’s programs, supporting educators and volunteering in orphanages. He recalls, this was the moment his life – and his perspective – changed.

“Until my trip to Kenya, I had always assumed I would turn my passion for building relationships and serving others into a career in education,” said Phillips. “But I was profoundly inspired by the strength and resilience of the people and communities we served in Kenya. They had endured so many hardships, yet they persevered. Learning about their struggles and triumphs changed my perspective on the world and made me reconsider my own purpose in life.”

Returning to Clemson after a second trip to Kenya, Phillips changed his major to communication with an emphasis in public relations to develop the skills needed to turn his passion for people, storytelling, fundraising and advocacy into a career in the nonprofit sector.

He said he is grateful to his professors in the Department of Communication for their unwavering support of his career goals, though unconventional compared to his classmates. He credits his success as a student and professional to their guidance, encouragement and investment in his future.

“My professors gave me freedom to think outside the box. They challenged me to consider different perspectives and encouraged intentionality in choosing classes that fit my career goals. I graduated with the knowledge and tools I needed to jump into a successful, fulfilling career in nonprofit work because of their support,” said Phillips.

He is currently the chief development officer for City of Refuge, a nonprofit organization based in one of the highest risk areas of Atlanta, Georgia. As 100 percent of the people seeking aid from the organization fall below the federal poverty line, City of Refuge provides individuals and families with uninterrupted paths out of poverty by providing shelter, food, clothing, education, job training and financial literacy support under one roof.  The 210,000 square foot facility offers on-site housing programs for 200 people, a fitness center and space for health and wellness, housing, workforce preparation and youth development programs. In his role, Phillips leads a 33-million-dollar capital campaign to add a grocery store, entrepreneurship center, additional housing and a credit union to the property.

According to Phillips, he feels a deep connection to the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences’ mission to build people and communities, as he has made it his life’s work since leaving the University – and he is proud to be a part of a Department that is encouraging its students to use their talents to make a positive difference in the world.

The Department of Communication is in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.