Andre Earls, Wiley College- c/o 2018, Mass Communications
Name : Andre Earls
HBCU : Wiley College
Graduation Year : 2018
Major : Mass Communications
Email : andre.j.earls@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I'm originally from Norwalk, CT. Moved to Puyallup, WA, when I was 14, and joined the debate team in high school.
I had a black alumni member who went to Wiley College, and explained the institutions prestigious debate history to me. From that moment on, I was sold.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because I knew that I would have an opportunity to not only grow academically, but culturally.
That type of comprehensive evolution was important to me, and I definitely don't regret my decision.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
As a freshman and a new member of the Wiley College "Great Debaters", I was put through the ringer. I gained a lot of older brothers that didn't hold back in making sure that I reached my full potential.
l started out as a young man from the suburbs, kind of unaware of my culture and the power I held. I graduated with a deeper sense of who I was.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
The yard was intense. Our institution had all 9 Black Greek Letter Organizations, and Greek life was a major part of our institution.
Seeing all the organizations on the yard during 'hump day Wednesdays' and weekends, was one of the initial bright moments during my time.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Solomon Masenda was an English professor I had from Zimbabwe.
Every morning I went to his class, he found a way to transform lessons about grammar, into lessons about life. As a black man, I looked up to him, not only because of who he was, but what he represented: a free black man who never spoke with a filter. Dr. Masenda retired during my junior year and went back to Africa to build a school in his home country.
I still miss him to this day.
Are you a member of a fraternity?
Yes, I am a National Board Member for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Pledging Kappa was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made, not only because it enhanced my leadership capabilities, but because it was able to connect me with other successful black men that are achieving, and making a difference in shaping our world.
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Wiley College
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Students: 1,400
- Athletics: Wiley College is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and track & field. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, track & field, volleyball, and cheerleading.
- Notable Alumni: Lois Towles 1933 Internationally renowned concert pianist** James L. Farmer, Jr. 1938 U.S. civil rights leader** Daryl Joy Walters 2014 Politician**
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