Antanesha McNeill, Fayetteville State University- c/o 2019, English
Name : Antanesha McNeill
HBCU : Fayetteville State University
Graduation Year : 2019
Major : English
Minor : Communications
Email : empowerment@nakedrevival.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Raeford, NC. I was introduced to HBCU’s by my mother and her role as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, INC.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Actually I began at a PWI and I felt disconnected. I felt like all I was going to do was receive a degree and not an experience. I was also discriminated against by the dominant race at the PWI I attended and after that exchange, I decided to part ways.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Wow. Fayetteville State houses a smaller population than most schools and for a small-town girl like me, that was a blessing.
The number one element of FSU is the promotion of student-led organizations. The school transforms the mind of a homesick freshman to an amplified social activist. I was a member of the marching band and we were a close knit community. Band is a lifestyle that one will never understand unless they are actually a member. However, our campus supported the band and understood that we were an element of the campus that helped shape the morale of our school. I always admired SGA for their sense of class and poise. It was so new to me.
In high school I was considered the “white girl” and in the minds of my peers, I couldn’t relate because I was a middle class citizen. They had no idea what I encountered mentally. I struggled with my identity and attending a school rooted in the purpose I serve, to be the beacon of change, helped me understand that identity is never sealed. It’s an ongoing discovery. As we say at FSU, red non verba. Deeds not words. I endured some of my most harsh realities at FSU. From getting pregnant to being diagnosed with anxiety. However, because I could feel the persevering spirit of my ancestors, I pressed towards the mark.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
The pep rally was filled with students who attended the university and I fell in love with the fact that some attendees were alumni. Everyone was on the same wave of energy, it didn’t matter who you were or what you were going through.
We scanned the place for potential “partners” and learned some hard lessons after that. In the end, we all held on to the colorful energy our ancestors left behind. We might have hated each other in the cafe, but we stuck together against negative mentalities during class and the opinions of those who would never know what it felt like to work for a position in this world.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Paris Jones is a straightforward man. His wisdom is endless and I reconnected with him prior to deciding that I would go back for my second Masters degree. He held me accountable and dismissed all of my excuses.
Dr. Bir always sowed info my life knowing that I would be an exceptional educator. She saw the leader in me. She affirmed that I would become more than a teacher.
Dr. Julian Capel was the young influencer that we all looked up to during college and he was able to relate to us. That is near and dear to me because I am often underestimated because I am one of the younger professionals in my administrative position. although I didn’t work closely with him, he influenced me from afar.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I chose my major because I had a passion for writing and mentoring. My BA is in English, Masters in curriculum, and Masters in School Admin.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Bryant Hall hunny! It was against the rules for girls to be in that hall, but somehow, unbeknownst to me, it happened.
Where is the “yard” located?
We have an unofficial yard. However, we are working towards an official one.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I discovered my passion during graduate school. I believe that passions are always changing and growing. However, I knew that I wanted to be an influencer overall. I think being in an atmosphere with like-minded people will do that to you (shoutout to cohort 24).
What's your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
Every second of life is ever-changing. We have to live to grow rather than live to succeed. There is a mass difference.
Are you a member of a sorority?
Yes. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC.
Entrepreneur? Tell us about your business.
I am a transparency blogger, author, coach, and millennial mom on the move. My company specializes in promoting transparency for all ages in the form of workshops, events, forums, and an non-profit youth arts program.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
I am from the Fayetteville area. I thought that going to FSU would be like living at home. However, it was like living in another world because of all the different ethnicities, perspectives, and experiences sprouting around campus. So I learned that it doesn’t matter where we are, there are more colors in the rainbow than the ones we learned in grade school. I WAS NOT prepared for the lack of culturally responsive curriculum in our education system but that’s a separate interview.
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Fayetteville State University
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Students: 5,930
Under Graduates: 5,162
Post Graduates: 768 - Athletics: Fayetteville State University currently participates in 10 NCAA sports, including men's football, basketball, cross-country/track, and golf. The women's programs include basketball, volleyball, softball, cross-country/track, tennis, and bowling. The university is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
- Notable Alumni: Chris Armstrong - Former professional football player, CFL Darrell Armstrong - Former professional basketball player, current assistant coach with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks** Jim Bibby - Former MLB player** Affion Crockett - American actor, writer, dancer, rapper, comedian, music producer** Brasheedah Elohim - 2004 - American-Israeli professional women's basketball player** Richard Medlin - Former NFL player**
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