Looking for Diversity: From an HBCU to a PWI
|
Posted By: Shanelle Frazier on May 09, 2011 I am excited to be blogging about something that is so passionate to me, HBCUs, and not only that, but my journey from an HBCU to a PWI. For those that don’t know, HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Beginning with my freshman year of college to my senior year, I attended two HBCUs: Coahoma Community College and Mississippi Valley State University. What I learned is that HBCUs are like a family, meaning we take care of our own. My experiences at both schools were great. I have met lifelong friends, professors that still have my back to this day and I just learned so much on a lot of different levels. One thing that anyone would learn is about the African American culture and what African Americans had to venture through to have colleges to attend. Now it’s time to spit a few facts at you. According to Booth (2006), HBCUs are found in large cities, suburbs and small rural towns. Their campus communities serve more than 350,000 students. HBCUs graduate more African American students to fill the ranks of professionals in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and teaching than all other institutions in the United States. Did you know that HBCUs were established to educate Black Americans? This was determined during the decade following the Emancipation Proclamation. And today, multi-racial staffs and diverse student populations, including white students, create the collegiate communities of HBCUs. Okay, so now that we have had a history lesson, as well as talked about my great experiences, it is now time for a culture shock. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree from MVSU, I attended graduate school at Arkansas State University, which is a PWI. A PWI is a Predominantly White Institution. Arkansas State was a big culture shock to me. After four years in a school setting where you are used to seeing majority African Americans and a few White students and foreigners, then you are placed in a new environment where everyone around you is Caucasian and foreign, I think you see where I am coming from. It really took some getting used to, at least a full semester. In my eyes, everything was different: people, food, behaviors, way of living and the school itself. I thought about giving up and returning to my “safe place” which was an HBCU. But, I’m glad that I didn’t. Experiencing something new and so diverse was one of the best things to ever happen to me. From meeting new people from different countries and backgrounds, to trying different foods and generally just being in this new setting was awesome! I not only learned something new about other people, but I learned something new about myself, and that’s what it is all about. To this day, I keep in contact with those old classmates and friends that I met, and we are each other’s support systems. Before I attended that university, I had a handful of Caucasian friends, as well as foreign friends. But now, my address book is full. So, to high school students, current college students, aspiring college students and anyone else, I challenge you to try the journey of attending an HBCU and a PWI. No matter your race, nationality, background or whatever you consider yourself, just do it. Also to those people who are done with school but are thinking about going back, whether you attended an HBCU or a PWI, if you go back, try the other setting. It doesn’t hurt to diversify you. And I promise that the experience will be worth your while. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Shanelle Frazier
eLearning/Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Coahoma Community College Mississippi Valley State University class of 2008 Member Since June 2007 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 48 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 92 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 72 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 68 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,794,987 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,066 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,291 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,361 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
