Destiney Kinsey, Grambling State University- c/o 2015, Social Work
Name : Destiney Kinsey
HBCU : Grambling State University
Graduation Year : 2015
Major : Social Work
Email : destineykinsey@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Minden, La. I was first introduced to HBCUs by my band director Curtis Mills when he took us to march in the Grambling homecoming parade in 2009. I fell in love with the culture!
My father is also a Grambling graduate and that had a major influence on my decision to attend.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because I wanted a change. There was something so exciting about learning and growing with people who looked just like me.
People say that there is “no diversity” at HBCUs but in reality there is. We all come from different environments, socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures. It’s amazing to see it all come together for the benefit of the students. Also, the staff is so caring at HBCUs. I had professors that cared about situations with my family, financial stressors and major life choices.
They were there for me every step of the way.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience was unique. I made lifelong friends & joined organizations that I hold so near and dear to my heart.
I became a stronger student, a more understanding individual and more goal-oriented than I was before entering my university.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
People think it’s funny that the first time I ever heard the song “Before I Let You Go” was at a Grambling function.
The most remarkable time for me was seeing Barack Obama being re-elected and getting to celebrate that with my fellow Grambling family for the first time. The experience was like no other! I was not looked at crazy or frowned upon for celebrating the re-election of our President and if I never knew Grambling was home before then, I definitely learned that night.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Nearly all of my professors that I came into contact with were amazing! If I had to choose I would definitely say Dr. Favors in the Earl Lester Cole Honors College and the professors in the Social Work Department.
Professor Williams, Professor Peoples and Professor Henson always encouraged us to strive for our goals and to never give up.
Dr. Hester always kept me on my toes and helped me to be a great social worker.
If I had to choose the most influential professor it would definitely be Professor Jacqueline Garrison. She is a role model for me in so many ways. She’s always carried herself professionally and encouraged her students every step of the way. I looked up to her because she played several roles being a professional, a mother, a wife, a professor and of course she is a Delta woman and she pulled this all off flawlessly. She is truly an inspiration to me.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
While at Grambling, I became a member of the Favrot Student Union Board, SGA, Earl Lester Cole Honors College and Phi Alpha Social Work Honors Society.
I also held the title of President for the Bachelors of Social Work club. One of the best decisions I ever made was to become a member of the Society of Distinguished Black Women, Inc. It has changed my life for the better and given me lifelong sisters.
Are you a member of a sorority?
I am an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I was initiated in 2014 in the Delta Iota chapter at Grambling State University.
I am currently a member of the Minden Alumnae chapter. Being a Delta has helped me be able to serve my community alongside other determined and caring women. The bonds that is has given me cannot even be described. The experience is everything that I hoped it would be.
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
My HBCU has an active Career Services center which helps with resumes, finding appropriate interview attire, and the job search.
Specifically, my department required us to secure internships to help prepare us for the workforce. I was offered a job by my internship and have been employed there since.
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Grambling State University
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Students: 4,863
Under Graduates: 3,883
Post Graduates: 980 - Athletics: Grambling State University competes in the NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Currently, the Grambling State University Department of Athletics sponsors Men's Intercollegiate football, along with men's and women's basketball, baseball, track & field, softball, golf, soccer, tennis, bowling and volleyball. RIVALS: Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University.
- Notable Alumni: Charles M. Blow - 1991 - New York Times columnist** Erykah Badu - Grammy Award-winning artist** Natalie Desselle-Reid - Actress best known for roles in B*A*P*S, Def Jam's How to Be a Player, and Disney's Cinderella** Judi Ann Mason - Television writer, producer and playwright** Burl Cain - Master's degree in criminal justice, now warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary (also known as Angola)** Ollie Tyler - Mayor of Shreveport; former interim state superintendent of education; former Caddo Parish school superintendent** E. Edward Jones - 1952 - Educator, civil rights advocate, pastor, and former president of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., in Shreveport** Edward Joseph Price - 1975 - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 58), businessman in Gonzales** Alicia Reece - Politician, member of the Ohio House of Representatives (33rd district)** Robert Bobb - Politician and public administrator; Emergency Financial Director for Detroit Public Schools; city manager for thirty years in the cities of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Santa Ana, California; and Richmond, Virginia** Israel "Bo" Curtis - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 2008; member of the Rapides Parish School Board from 1976 to 1992** Bettye Davis - Member of the Alaska Senate and former member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 21st district** Rick Gallot - Democratic member of the Louisiana State Senate for District 29 since 2012; former state representative for the 11th district** Jeff Hall - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 26), accountant in Alexandria** Patricia Cage-Bibbs - 1972 - Women's basketball head coach at North Carolina A&T State University, Hampton University, and Grambling State University; has over 400 wins in her coaching career** Ronnie Coleman - Professional bodybuilder and eight-time Mr. Olympia winner** Jason Hatcher - 2006 - Current NFL defensive end** Tyree Hollins - professional football player** Doug Williams - former NFL quarterback; MVP of Super Bowl XXII**
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