The Academic Advocate

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Known as Uncle Phil to the students he supports—and Aunty Benjie's husband to many football players—Phillip Medlock brings nearly 30 years of higher education expertise to the Le Nu'u Legacy Foundation as the Director of Academic Initiatives. Currently serving as an Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, he holds a B.S. in Business Marketing and an M.S. in Higher Education. His extensive background spans financial aid, admissions, counseling, and academic advising, making him uniquely qualified to help student-athletes navigate the complex academic landscape of collegiate athletics.

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As an Air Force military brat and former Fresno State football player, Phil understands both the discipline required for athletic success and the academic challenges student-athletes face. He embraced his wife's Samoan heritage wholeheartedly—remembering her father's words: "When you marry a Samoan, you marry the whole family." True to that wisdom, Phil has helped put two of Benjie's nephews through college and opened their home to countless "nieces and nephews."

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This family-first philosophy extends to his work with students, where he tells them he's now their extended family on campus—hence "Uncle Phil." Drawing from his own experience as a former college student-athlete who lacked adequate support, Phil is passionate about ensuring today's students receive the academic guidance they deserve.

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A Legacy of Academic Excellence

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Phil's expertise directly strengthens all three pillars of the foundation:

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• Advocacy: Drawing from his extensive knowledge of university systems and academic policies, he helps Le Nu'u Legacy athletes understand their academic options and navigate complex situations, ensuring they make informed decisions about their educational journey.

• Professional Development: Phil helps athletes understand how their academic choices impact their future careers, guiding them toward coursework and experiences that align with their post-athletic goals.

• Community Engagement: He facilitates connections between Le Nu'u Legacy athletes and university resources, faculty, and academic opportunities that broaden their educational experience beyond athletics. athletics.

His partnership with Benjaline in both marriage and mission has been instrumental in bringing the vision of Le Nu'u Legacy Foundation to life.

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