Grayson Black, class of 2014, was recently among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas services since global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps had suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked about why he chose to volunteer, Black said, “Peace Corps is an opportunity to broaden my cultural and professional awareness. My background is in social work, and I believe that this experience will allow me to expand my interests in a life-changing and impactful way. I’m excited to develop my passion for helping others in an entirely new culture. Professionally, I hope to build my leadership, mentorship, and program building skills.”

Black graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan University in 2014 with a bachelor’s in psychology. He will be serving as a volunteer in the Philippines in the youth in development sector.

The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff. Through service, members of the Peace Corps network develop transferable skills and hone intercultural competencies. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 142 countries worldwide.