Chantonette Lyles, Delaware State University- c/o 1997, Psychology
Name : Chantonette Lyles
HBCU : Delaware State University
Graduation Year : 1997
Major : Psychology
Email : chanty.lyles@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from New Jersey. I knew about HBCU's but my knowledge wasn't incredibly extensive. My high school classmate was accepted to Delaware State University and encouraged me to apply. The rest is history!!
"My mentee Destiny and I during homecoming this year. She is a current Delaware State University student majoring in Criminal Justice."
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
During my K-12 years I attended predominantly white schools. I never had a black teacher and that was always something I desired.
So in my college search I made sure to apply to HBCU's with the hopes of being in classes with students and professors that looked like me.
Another reason I chose an HBCU was to continue the legacy of scholarship and service that alumni before me built. I often think about Delaware State and it being set aside to educate black students.
We didn't have a choice of where to be educated then. Times have changed but if given the opportunity again I would definitely choose DSU because of the stellar education, family atmosphere, nurturing environment and unwavering support.
I AM DSU!!!
"I supported the Delaware State University Gospel Choir when they visited Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, NJ earlier this year."
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Attending Delaware State University was a life changing experience. Not only did I earn an awesome education but I learned that attending an HBCU was a badge of honor and that we were charged with giving back to students once we became alumni. It's not just about us!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Being in classes where there were so many beautiful black students who were extremely smart and creative.
Another first was being introduced to Go-Go music. I met so many friends from the DMV! I was like oh wow they have their own music. That was so dope to me!
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
There are two professors that come to mind. The first is Dr. Jackson who was my English professor. He was very strict but had a sense of humor. One phrase that he would say to our class was "A D student can't copy off of a D student". In essence he was saying raise your standards of excellence, study, always be prepared and be an individual.
The next was Dr. Charles. He was one of my psychology professors. His classes were by far some of the most challenging during my college career. As I reminisce about the large amounts of work and exam questions that were paragraphs long he actually prepared me for graduate school without me knowing at the time.
Both men instilled in me a fierce work ethic, to always walk in excellence and what it truly meant to be a scholar.
Comments
Delaware State University
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Students: 4,644
- Athletics: Delaware State University competes in intercollegiate athletics, including men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis, and track and field; women's-only bowling, softball, and volleyball; and men's-only baseball. Delaware State University complete in the NCAA Division I; they are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the women's soccer team competes as an independent, and the women's equestrian team plays in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.
- Notable Alumni: Clyde Bishop - U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands** Maxine R. Lewis - 1973 - Publicist, ABC television network** Robert London - 1998 - NFL sports agent** Shaheer McBride - 2008 - NFL Player** Darnerien McCants - 2001 - NFL Player** Bonsu Thompson - Editor-In-Chief, The Source magazine** Walter Tullis - NFL Player** David G. Turner - 1986 - Executive, Bank of America** Ralph Wesley - 2003 - Public address announcer for the Washington Wizards**