Intro by King Musa
“Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It’s your man, King Musa! Welcome to The Cheat Sheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners.
Today, we’re diving into the world of lifelong learning and professional development. Joining us is Mr. Brent Macklemore, the Director of Professional and Continuing Education at Stephen F. Austin State University. Brent leads programs that provide career development opportunities for individuals looking to advance their skills or pivot in their careers. We’re excited to learn about his journey and how continued education empowers professionals. Welcome, Mr. Macklemore!”
Getting to Know Brent Macklemore
King Musa: “Welcome, Brent! Before we dive in, it’s midterms season. When you were in school, what was your ideal class schedule?”
Brent Macklemore: “Thanks for having me! Ideally, I loved packing my classes into Tuesday and Thursday. That way, I could work or enjoy a long weekend. But no early classes—I tried to avoid anything before 9 a.m.!”
KM: “Haha, I feel that. Let’s dive into it—can you introduce yourself and what you do here at SFA?”
BM: “Sure! I’m the Director of Professional and Continuing Education, or PACE, at SFA. It’s a new office that launched this summer. Our focus is external-facing, working with adult learners, community members, and employers. We provide opportunities for career advancement, workforce training, and lifelong learning, whether that’s through certifications, skills-based training, or enrichment programs.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “Where are you from, and what led you to pursue higher education?”
BM: “I’m from northeast Mississippi and attended Mississippi State for both undergrad and grad school. I was a first-generation college student, so I navigated a lot on my own. College was a transformative time for me—it taught me independence and helped me figure out who I was. While I stumbled a bit along the way, those experiences shaped my passion for education and helping others succeed.”
KM: “What do you enjoy outside of work?”
BM: “I’m a family guy—I spend most of my time with my wife and two daughters, who are 12 and 9. We love being creative together, and I try to model behaviors like curiosity and commitment for them. I’m also big on spending time outdoors—hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery around Nacogdoches.”
Vision for PACE at SFA
KM: “What’s the vision for PACE, and how does it serve the community?”
BM: “PACE is all about accessibility and opportunity. Not everyone needs a degree to advance their career. We focus on providing certifications, professional development, and skills training that are cost-effective and time-efficient. For example, someone looking to switch careers or upskill in their current job can benefit from what we offer. We also work closely with employers to provide workforce training and keep their teams competitive.”
KM: “Does PACE offer enrichment opportunities as well?”
BM: “Absolutely! It’s a big umbrella. Beyond career training, we offer enrichment programs for lifelong learners—like art, music, or even podcasting workshops. The goal is to create a centralized effort to serve both professional and personal growth needs.”
Challenges and Advice
KM: “What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you address them?”
BM: “The biggest challenge is awareness—getting the word out about what PACE offers. Many people don’t know these resources exist or assume they’re only for degree-seeking students. Another challenge is helping learners balance time and finances. We aim to make these opportunities affordable and accessible while showing them the long-term value of investing in themselves.”
KM: “What advice would you give to someone unsure about pursuing continued education?”
BM: “Start small. Whether it’s a single class or a short-term certification, take that first step. Lifelong learning isn’t about rushing—it’s about consistently building skills and staying curious. And remember, it’s never too late to learn something new.”
Outro by King Musa
“Brent, thank you for sharing your insights and the exciting work being done at PACE.
To our listeners, lifelong learning is the key to personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to upskill, change careers, or explore a new passion, PACE has something for you. Check out sfasu.edu/pace for more information.
This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep telling your story. Peace!”
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