Tom Joyner Speaks Out on Why Knoxville College is Important
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Posted By: Neil Foote on December 03, 2008 As far as I can tell, Knoxville College has done just what it should have been especially when you consider the way things are with the nation’s economy. Knoxville is the nation’s only HBCU “work college”. It’s providing students with an affordable education and helps them offset their tuition, books and housing costs by helping them find jobs on campus. With so many people out of work now, these students are graduating from college with a degree and work experience. That means they’ll have a leg up on someone who leaves college with a degree, tens of thousands of dollars in debt and no job! Look, I know Knoxville has been going through a rough period, who hasn’t? But I really believe Knoxville is on to something, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure they have the resources they need to survive well into the future. That’s why I’m trying to help them raise money. Like so many HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), they’re trying to rally their alumni, friends and local business community support their school. What a lot of people don’t know is that Knoxville has 17 active alumni chapters! That says a whole lot. It says that Knoxville really does work and the people who benefit from that wonderful institution want to make sure others have those same advantages, and that’s what it’s all about, giving back! When you take a look at some of its distinguished alumni, you know they have produced some of the best minds this country has: longtime Tuskegee (Ala.) Mayor Johnny Ford, legendary Florida A&M football coach Jake Gaither and the late veteran Chicago journalist Vernon Jarrett are among its distinguished alumni. Over the past several months, I’ve talked to alumni, administrators, faculty and students. When you hear the commitment, the passion and the excitement from the longtime president - Dr. Robert H. Harvey - who came out of retirement to help run the school with Dr. Johnnie Cannon, you get this sense they intensely care about the college’s great legacy, and are working overtime to make a difference. Veteran journalist George Curry, an alum and board chair, shares Harvey’s and Cannon’s belief that Knoxville must survive, and reestablish itself as a vital academic institution in the community. Eighty-four-year-old Athletic director Raleigh Wynn and the Distinguished Professor of Business Dr. Evelyn R. Hallman are two dedicated staff who have lived through Knoxville’s ups and downs and are invested in Knoxville’s future. What’s really important is that several local business people, led by Frank Robinson, are devoting many long hours with Knoxville civic and political leaders as well as administrators from state agencies, making the case that Knoxville’s future success will play an crucial role in providing education to students who may never have the opportunity to get a college degree anyplace else. What further proves the point about Knoxville College’s importance is the students. Their stories continue to fuel my excitement about the future of Knoxville – and HBCUs around the country. There’s Sussan Yenkong, who is originally from Cameroon and grew up in Germany, rambles on about how the school has changed her life. Yenkong, a junior majoring in biology, knows the college is going through a rough patch, but she’s excited to see it getting back on the right track. “People like me probably wouldn’t have gone to college without Knoxville,” Yenkong says. “I’m one of eight children … and my parents wanted me to get a good education … I’m glad I came. … It’s been a wonderful, wonderful opportunity.” Then, there’s Cleydy Avila who is from Belize. She is convinced that Knoxville is going to prepare her for the future. She’s planning to pursue a career in public health primarily because of the Knoxville’s “Wellness Project”. The College received a $472,000 grant from the Tennessee state government to promote health awareness to the African-American community. Cleydy is a “student ambassador” who holds meeting on campus and within the community to educate them about HIV/AIDS. As an ambassador, she also had a chance to attend an Atlanta conference on the issue, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On top of that, as part of her duties to fulfill her “work college” privileges, she works as “RA” – resident adviser – in one of Knoxville’s dorms. Now, I don’t know what you call that, but that’s commitment! David Green from Atlanta also is a part of the Wellness Project, and is part of the McNair Scholars Program, named after the African-American astronaut Ronald McNair He’s working at the University of Tennessee’s research in science. Green has no problem telling students at UT that he’s happy where he is. In fact, he’s very clear in telling them that he’s right where he needs to be – getting a great education at the right price. Ellison Roberts from the Bahamas is a business major who plans on going to graduate school. He works in the college’s registrar’s office and loves the family atmosphere at the school – something he knows friends at larger schools don’t get. “It’s a real community here,” he says. “You get to know everyone.” He doesn’t miss a beat in wanting to spread the word that Knoxville is still thriving. Look, I know, there’s a lot of work to do. That’s why I’m out here telling Knoxville’s story and why my Foundation is helping them raise money. This isn’t the first time that we’ve partnered with the college raise dollars and awareness of the great things going on at Knoxville College. In fact, the last time around we were able to contribute $250,000. But the needs are ongoing and in order to continue to do what it’s done so well, more dollars are needed as well. I’m hoping anybody with any affiliation to Knoxville steps up to the plate. I know there is a wonderful spirit out there for all who have attended, worked for and volunteered at Knoxville. It’s time for Knoxville to feel the love and you can show your love by making a commitment that they can be proud of. They want to do what I know is the right thing: They want to invest in giving an education to eager young minds looking for a chance to change their lives and the world. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Neil Foote
Presidenti & CEO, Tom Joyner Foundation Member Since January 2008 |
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