Nicholas Phillips was the 2025 commencement speaker for the WilmU College of Social & Behavioral Sciences. He currently works as a Registered Behavior Technician®, providing trauma-informed and assent-based care to children with autism. His goals include earning his master’s degree and becoming both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® and a social and behavioral sciences professor.
Q: Can you tell us about your WilmU journey?
During my senior year of high school, I received a full-ride scholarship to begin my educational journey with Delaware Technical Community College and then transfer to Wilmington University. Overall, I loved my experience as a Wilmington University student. As a WilmU student, I had some of the best instructors in my academic career, fostered my leadership skills via group projects and improved upon my interpersonal communication skills.
Q: What prompted you to choose the B.S. in Behavioral Science program?
Upon transferring to Wilmington University, I knew I wanted to enter some sort of human services profession. I felt that the B.S. in Behavioral Science program best suited my ambitions, and I was correct! The major did an exceptional job at narrowing down which career path to pursue.
Q: Did you have a favorite course and/or instructor?
Dr. Kelley Thompson’s Intro to Trauma-Informed Approaches course was transformational for me; this course and her teaching methodology inspired me to implement a trauma-informed approach in my current field of applied behavioral analysis. Dr. Mary S. Berridge’s Applied Seminar Course was also fascinating, between her attention to detail and the course’s focus on using the knowledge obtained in our coursework toward professional usage.
Q: Did you have any meaningful hands-on learning experiences or opportunities to apply what you were learning in class to your current position?
Speaking of trauma-informed approaches (TIA), I was tasked with an assignment to evaluate TIA within an organization. This experience highlighted to me just how few people understand what TIA is and the importance of providing compassionate care to others. This experience has emboldened me to further my research on how to best assist the community I currently serve.
“You must remain kind to yourself — even in the presence of mistakes and other challenges — as your best work will always occur in the presence of strong mental health!”
— Nicholas Philips
Q: Now that you’ve completed your degree, what’s next for you?
I am currently in my second semester at Florida Institute of Technology, working toward my M.A. in Behavior Analysis Professional Practice! I am earning experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Looking further down the road, I’d love to eventually transition to becoming a professor as well!
Q: What do you love about Wilmington University?
Some of my favorite things about Wilmington University include its affordability, accessibility, the ability to take block classes and the passionate instructors who are active members in their respective fields!
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom, advice or encouragement for people who are thinking about taking their education further?
Go easy on yourself! As someone who has long struggled with academic perfectionism, this is not a sustainable approach. You must remain kind to yourself — even in the presence of mistakes and other challenges — as your best work will always occur in the presence of strong mental health!
Q: Lastly, is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for helping you achieve your goals?
I would like to acknowledge my parents, grandparents, sister and best friend for their steadfast support in allowing me to achieve my educational and professional goals. Community and support systems are vital to success, so I couldn’t have made it without them!
Make an impact with a degree in Behavioral Science. WilmU’s B.S. in Behavioral Science program offers five concentrations: Case Management, Emotional Intelligence, Human Trafficking Awareness, Human Services and Social Justice Advocacy.
