myHIN Blog

April 08, 2014

Visit to Howard University

Graduation is quickly approaching and it’s time to decide what I’m going to do after I leave NC State. Graduate school is definitely my next move. Since Dr. Payton is truly invested in the future of her students, she scheduled a day where my friend Keiara and I could visit Howard University. Located in Washington DC, Howard is an extremely prestigious HBCU- which stands for historically black colleges and universities. The university currently ranks third in the nation for HBCUs to attend in the US. After being informed about this trip, I became excited to experience what a day at an HBCU feels like.

Upon arrival at Howard University, we were greeted by Dr. Morgan. She was very welcoming and definitely made me feel like family. One thing I can say that Dr. Morgan and Dr. Payton are both women of structure. They had an itinerary set up for Keiara and I to follow during our visit. The first item on the list involved speaking to someone who worked in admissions for the School of Business. The woman who we spoke with was very informative and provided much insight on the different programs within the Business School. She also expounded upon Howard’s efforts in partnering with universities globally to encourage students to study abroad. I studied abroad the summer of my freshmen year at NC State and it was one of the best experiences in my life. I would definitely enjoy traveling again to study in another country while pursing my master’s degree. After the information session, we attended a “Wall Street on Campus” session. Though I got a little lost during the presentation, it was great to hear a company representative speak on various aspects of corporate business. At the completion of the presentation, we went on a self-guided tour of campus. While on the tour, I met some of my fraternity brothers from the Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. It was also neat to see all of the fraternity and sorority plots in the center of campus. “The Quad” also called “The Yard” is Howard’s focal point and the center of campus life. This is similar to “The Brickyard” that we have at NC State. While on the tour, I met up with one of my friends who currently attends Howard. She showed us inside the fine arts department and took us into the art gallery, which really intrigued Dr Payton.

After we departed, we had lunch then got a chance to tour the Divinity School. The Divinity School is located about ten minutes away from main campus. Once we arrived there, we were welcomed by Ms. McDaniel. Alongside her were two current Master’s of Divinity students and one happened to be my fraternity brother. Both students gave Keiara and I a personalized tour of the facility and answered any questions we had. This was by far my favorite portion of the day because I’m seeking to obtain my Masters of Divinity once I graduate from undergrad. Right before we headed back to the airport, I was able to introduce myself to Dr. Pollard, III. He had a very genuine spirit and was knowledgeable about my home church that I grew up in as a child.

It truly means a lot when a professor invests their personal time into the lives of their students. Dr. Payton did just that for Keiara and I. I can’t thank her enough for the exposure and for the experience at Howard University. I will be submitting my application there for Divinity School. Who knows- I may be the one providing tours to prospective students in the future.