Austin Phillips, Frenship High School 2019 Graduate
Current Texas Tech University Student Body President
Austin Phillips was raised a Tiger. He attended North Ridge Elementary, Terra Vista Middle school, and graduated from Frenship High School in 2019.
As a student at Frenship, Phillips was heavily involved in athletics and academics.
He was a member of FFA where he competed in the Leadership and Career Development Events such as public speaking and leadership building contests. He was also a part of the Mentoring Makes a Difference program at Frenship High School, Student Council, National Honors Society, FCCLA, and more.
"I was pretty involved in a lot of things," Phillips said. "I also played football and baseball all the way through, and that played a huge role."
Phillips explained that he was the captain of the Frenship High School Football and Baseball teams when he was a senior.
"Being able to serve as a leader in that aspect, and learning and interacting with my coaches is really what helped me become a leader myself later in my life."
Philips said that his time at Frenship really set the stage for his future endeavors.
"I really can say that Frenship played a vital role in the person that I am today, both as a student and as a person overall," Phillips said. "I had a lot of really great opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom that really propelled my growth and my love for learning."
After graduating from Frenship, Phillips headed to Texas Tech University where he instantly got involved as much as he could. He is currently a junior in the Rawls College of Business studying Finance.
"I got involved in the Freshman Leadership Association my Freshman year," Phillips said. "One thing I am really passionate about is my involvement in Student Government. I have been a senator the past two years, and I currently serve at the Budget and Finance Chairman."
Phillips most recently was elected to serve as the 98th Student Body President at Texas Tech University.
"It is an extreme honor," Phillips said. "I don't know if it has really set in yet, but I am really looking forward to getting to serve in this way."
Phillips was also a part of the Texas Tech Homecoming Royal Court back in the fall, where he represented his fraternity.
"I parlayed my high school involvement into college involvement I guess you could say," Phillips said. "I'm actually in the Accelerated Masters Program so when I graduate in May of 2023, I will have my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Finance."
Phillips said after graduation he envisions himself in law school, which could potentially move him from the area, but said he hopes to stay involved with Frenship and the community.
"Even if I am not here by location, I really want to be able to give back in whatever way I can," Phillips said. "This community has done so much for me and my family, so to be able to give back and mentor younger generations of Frenship Tigers is something that I am always looking forward to as an alumni."
Phillips said he saw a quote a while back and it really resonated with him, reminding him of his time at Frenship and at Texas Tech.
"No matter how far life takes you, whenever you get to the top, send the elevator back down," Phillips said. "That is one thing that I am really passionate about - paving the way for others to succeed."
Phillips said if he could give current Frenship students any piece of advice it would be to remember where they are and how special the community around them is.
"There is no limit to your aspirations or what it is you can accomplish," Phillips said. "Don't be afraid to reach out to your teachers, or your mentors, or your family because they have had experiences that can help you. The community at Frenship will uplift you."