Dr. Ruth Logan, Saint Augustine's University- c/o 1990, Biology
Name : Dr. Ruth Logan
HBCU : Saint Augustine's University
Graduation Year : 1990
Major : Biology
Minor : Biology & Pre-Medicine
Email : rlogan@monroeschool.net
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I'm originally from Monrovia, Liberia, my mother migrated to the U.S. in 1970 as a nursing student. My brother and I came to the U.S. in 1972. I started my formal education in Washington, DC in kindergarten. My family moved to Annapolis, MD where I attended 3rd through 8th grade before moving to Detroit, MI to attend high school.
I was introduced to my HBCU through my brother's friends sister who attended there. I remember being at their house and hearing a conversation about his sister being in college and attending my HBCU in North Carolina. I was around the age of 10 or 11 and I remember his sister was really nice to me and this interaction stuck with me and I believe played a part in me attending my HBCU.
Accomplishing My Biggest Life Goal!
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I don't think I ever thought about attending anything else, even when I didn't know there was a difference between the two. Anyone and everyone who has ever made a difference in my life or mentored me in anyway to my knowledge has attended an HBCU. It never occurred to me that I would attend anything other then an HBCU.
As I started to prepare for college, my only desire was to go to one of the 3 colleges I really wanted to attend and they all happened to be HBCU's. As I previously stated, it never occurred to me that a PWI would make a big difference in my life over an HBCU.
I have always lived my life with the belief that the school, college, or university is only as great as the individual allows it to be. My ability to be the best I can be allowed me to take full advantage of everything provided for me at my HBCU. This includes it's rich history that comes along with the ups, the downs, the good and the bad.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I attended high school in Detroit, MI, therefore, I traveled 707 miles on a 14 hour bus ride with my mother to attend my HBCU. I arrived and was greeted by individuals that treated me like family though they were not blood. I lived in the historic Delany Hall. My dorm director had the utmost class and I don't think I ever saw her in a pair of flat shoes down to the high heel bedroom slippers she wore.
My attendance at Saint Augustine's gave my many great experiences and opportunities. I was given a student internship with the Environmental Protection Agency at Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC before Research Triangle Park was the shining location of biological research it is today. I had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, GA with my academic department to experience the beautiful CNN building as several students assisted in recruitment efforts of new students to Saint Augustine's.
Saint Augustine's connections allowed me to obtain employment at Rex Hospital where I worked as a surgical technician to obtain first hand experience in my major. I was given the ability to be a part of exceptional symposiums for my major that exposed me to a greater population of individuals in my field of study.
I had the opportunity to be a part of some wonderful clubs and extra-curricular activities which included several science clubs. I was runner up for Ms. Homecoming 1986, crowned Ms. UNCF-1987, and joined the first black female Sorority of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated in the Spring of 89'.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Besides the obvious of being away from my mother for long periods of times, I was the first to attend college in the U.S. The first to graduate from college in the U.S. The first to attend an HBCU in my family. The first to live in NC, and the first to join a Sorority.
Making Those You Love Most Proud!
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
As a Biology major, Dr. Early the department chair at Saint Augustine's seemed so young to me at the time. Yet, her genuine care for our overall well-being that included our studies, our health, and daily nutrition made me realize she had more then enough experience. Dr. Dutz, Mr. Branch and Dr. Nelson all pushed us to our fullest potential.
I learned my lesson by my second go round with Organic Chemistry One, that you didn't have to have a doctor in front of your name to be a stellar instructor as Mr. Branch, Mrs. Coston (now Dr. Coston) and Mr. Coston (also now Dr. Coston) all were. These individuals all worked to assure any student in the science department had the best of knowledge and understanding possible before they graduated.
My current profession is guided by my experiences and mentoring I received at Saint Augustine's University. My interactions with my staff, students, and the community stakeholders I interact with on a regular basis are refections of the knowledge, caring manner, and dedication of those individuals that helped guide and mold me into the person I am today. Having the discipline and strength to accomplish my life's goal of receiving my doctoral degree was guided by some very similar life experiences of my professors at my HBCU.
What was your proudest moment in your life to date?
With the exception of my children, I must say my proudest moment was the day I walked across the stage to receive my PhD!
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Saint Augustine's University
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Students: 1,500
- Athletics: Men's sports - Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, and Track & Field AND Women's sports - Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Softball, Track & Field, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Maycie Herrington - documentarian of the Tuskegee Airmen and social worker**William McBryar - Medal of Honor recipient**Travis Cherry - Grammy Nominated Music Producer**Bessie and Sadie Delany-191 -1910 respectively-African Americans who published their best-selling memoir, Having Our Say, at the ages of 102 and 104, respectively**Ramon Gittens-Sprinter at the 2012 Summer Olympics**Robert X. Golphin-Actor "The Great Debaters"**
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