Baigen Seawell, West Virginia State University- c/o 2019, Communications with a Concentration in Broadcast Media
Name : Baigen Seawell
HBCU : West Virginia State University
Graduation Year : 2019
Major : Communications with a Concentration in Broadcast Media
Minor : N/A
Email : bai.seawell@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from a (not so small city) small city outside of Atlanta, GA called Marietta. My mother was a product of Howard University. She wore her Howard gear faithfully and she always told me stories about her college experience. My second cousin was a product of Virginia Union, and was also a part of Greek Life.
Most of the black women I had met in my life were HBCU made, and they were proud of their school. When I was on my college search, for every PWI I visited, mom made me look at an HBCU nearby. For example: I looked at WKU for their journalism program, my mom introduced me to Tennessee State, and told me about how Oprah had her beginnings at that institution.
Sophomore year, I started following my passion for sports by anchoring for the WVSU Athletics Live Stream. I became the first female sportscaster on the stream.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I wanted to be around people who looked like me, because in High School I didn’t have a lot of that. No HBCU’s ever visited my High School, so everything I learned was on my own time and outside of the classroom. I didn’t choose a large Institution either, but rather a small HBCU nestled in West Virginia by the name of West Virginia State, “State” is what we affectionately call it.
My grandmother’s coworker and her twin sister both attended State and told me about the family environment that their HBCU had. Along with that, they mentioned how thy had a rich and amazing history. When I visited the school, I learned that the first African American to ever play in the NBA attended state. My passion for sports, and love of the school was solidified. This made me choose this HBCU.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
When I first came to State, I was amazed by the history. When I first attended, I was taken aback by the diversity, but despite that, when I saw the culture and history was still portrayed and appreciated by faculty and alumni, I learned to appreciate it the same way. This also pushed me to grow out of my shell and join leadership organizations, my Sorority, and network and become an inspiration for others. I became self-made, and hoped to be an inspiration like Earl Lloyd and Katherine Johnson did while at State.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I first experienced homecoming at Howard, but was young and only had a small glimpse of it. Entering my freshman year, I got the full HBCU experience of a homecoming. I attended every event I could think of, networking and also meeting others around me who were able to give me insight about the history of my school that I may not have known about.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My biggest impacts are Kim Cobb and Garvey Price, who both have taught me the way of the field I am pursuing. I was nervous to stand in front of the camera and shoot my first news package, or talk on air about sports. But they were helpful in showing me the raw talent I was able to manifest once I truly broke out of my shell and become the personality I have become today.
Pictured L to R: CeCe Redding, Ky’Atchia Atkins, President Anthony Jenkins, Alexis Wilder, and Baigen Seawell. The Inaugural Alpha Delta Cookout was one of the most successful events as a reactivated chapter on West Virginia State University’s Campus
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
I was an athlete or involved in athletics throughout high school. During the fall, I was an athletic trainer, by winter, I became a manager/social media coordinator for the Boy’s Basketball team. That was the first thing that made me think about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I am a Communications major with an emphasis in broadcast. I chose it because my mom noticed I loved sports, and I also loved to write. When it came time to look at majors, and my future, Stuart Scott was my inspiration. I wanted to be like him, so I chose to approach the field of broadcast and work hard in sports, especially being a woman.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
This last year I was able to be just inches away from Katherine Johnson, who visited State to see her Statue dedicated to her a day shy of her 100th birthday. I was so nervous!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I held positions in SGA starting my sophomore year entering junior year. I became Vice President of Student Government, I’m now holding a position as the Board of Governors Student Representative. Along with that, I have become President of my Chapter, Alpha Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I’m an active member of NAACP and National Broadcast Society, along with anchoring for WVSU Athletics.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Fleming Hall, it has been on campus a majority of the time the school has been around. That was where Earl Lloyd played basketball, Booker T Washington has spoken there, and more recently, Biggie performed there for a homecoming concert in the 90s. Fleming is no longer used for official basketball games, but the history is still there.
Right next to Fleming is the Canty House, which holds the athletic hall of fame for State Athletes. People like Earl Lloyd and Wendell Smith (who was crucial in making Jackie Robinson a household name) are dedicated in Canty House.
What adversities (hardships) have you overcome to become the strong person that you are?
Throughout college, I had struggled with personal struggles. My freshman year, I had entered a serious bout of depression, while at school I had attempted suicide. After that, I realized the struggles I faced were temporary and I faced them head on, I went on to finish every semester on the Dean’s List and openly took every struggle I faced head on. From that point on, no struggle has ever seemed to great for me, and I push other students to have the same mindset. It may be hard now, but it’s only temporary, and the reward will be worth it.
What was your saddest moment in your life to date?
When I was a sophomore, I had lost my great grandmother who pushed me to finish school. I considered taking time off from school to recover, but went against it due to my position I just gained in SGA.
Are you a member of a sorority?
I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Delta Chapter.
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West Virginia State University
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Students: 2,847
Under Graduates: 2,792
Post Graduates: 55 - Athletics: Men's football, baseball, basketball, golf, and tennis, and women's basketball, golf, softball, tennis, and volleyball**Member of the Mountain East Conference
- Notable Alumni: Carter G. Woodson - African-American historian cited as the father of black history; served as Academic Dean of WVSU from 1920-22**Wendell Smith - noted African American sportswriter who was influential in the choice of Jackie Robinson to become the first African American player in Major League Baseball**Maria Pappas - Cook County Treasurer since 1998. She earned her master's in counseling at West Virginia State University.**Lou Myers - actor and theatrical director, played Vernon Gaines in A Different World**Earl Lloyd -first African-American to play in the NBA**Robert "RJ" Haddy - special effects artist and twice contestant on Syfy's reality game show Face Off**Antoine Fuqua - writer and director of various movies including Training Day, starring Denzel Washington**Katherine Johnson - African-American scientist, who made significant contributions to America's aeronautics and space exploration for NASA**
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