Portrait of Patrick Hayes.
APRIL 14, 2022 | BY NATE PROCTOR
Patrick Hayes’ passion for serving others didn’t end with PCS—it had only started. Patrick currently serves as the director of name, image and likeness (NIL) for Influential U in Dallas and has started his own mental health platform called Perception. In 2014, he graduated with his bachelor’s in public relations from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication and a minor in health and exercise science. We caught up with Patrick to see what he’s been up to since his time with PCS.
Q: How did PCS impact your undergraduate experience?
Patrick: I was an out-of-state student who didn’t know a whole lot of people going into college. PCS was the first organization and group of people that I had interactions with. PCS laid the foundation for me to connect with some of my close friends and establish my college experience.
Q: What were some unique or exciting experiences you had in PCS?
Patrick: As a freshman, sometimes there can be uncertainty about what you want to do in your life or the path you want to follow. Each week there was a professional in different jobs, activities, communities and an overall “been there, done that” type of people. These discussions really helped me understand what else is out there and allowed me to broaden my thinking. I really began to understand what made me—me.
Q: How did your experience in PCS and education at OU prepare you for life after you graduated?
Patrick: PCS is full of people from all walks of life, backgrounds, majors, cultures and experiences. This organization really shed some light on what life is like outside of Nebraska and Oklahoma. Since my time in PCS, I have personally seen the amazing growth of my PCS peers. I’ve been able to witness almost a decade's worth of learning, experiences, jobs and more from my peers. Life has come full circle and there have been times that I’ve reached out to former PCS-ers about collaborating at work.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to the current and incoming PCS classes?
Patrick: Keep an open mind. There are so many people to get to know and so many things you’re about to learn. Not only that, but reach out to your fellow peers. You never know what will come from those relationships.
Q: What inspires you most about your work?
Patrick: I’m able to really change lives for the better and innovate in a brand-new industry. That’s wild to think about. Helping others is a passion, and I’ve seen first-hand how the work I’ve done has helped support and impact people.
Q: How have you continued to give back to your community as an adult?
Patrick: Always. I’ve even started a mental health platform called Perception. I’m passionate about protecting our community and minds.
Q: What are some words you live by?
Patrick: Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. I even have it tattooed on me.
Q: What would you say to your fellow PCS alumni and parents that would encourage them to give on Giving Day?
Patrick: Your passion for service doesn’t go away. In fact, it makes you want to continue to give back. It’s like small things like a smile, laugh or a simple “thank you” that can uplift you and others to the fullest.
President’s Community Scholars is composed of students who want to make a difference in their community. President Joseph Harroz Jr. recognizes the community service efforts of our high school's best and brightest scholars through the President's Community Scholars scholarship. Administered by the Office of Leadership and Volunteerism from the Division of Student Affairs, PCS provides high-achieving high school students with the best possible freshman experience through service to local, state, and global communities.
