Frederick Engram, Johnson C. Smith University- c/o 2005, Criminology
Name : Frederick Engram
HBCU : Johnson C. Smith University
Graduation Year : 2005
Major : Criminology
Email : fengram@american.edu
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born in Mountain View California, but raised in Utica, New York. I was introduced to HBCU's through my family.
A few cousins attended Spelman, Morehouse, Howard, Johnson C. Smith, and my great grandmother and other relatives attended Delaware State.
Panelist for a discussion on the HBCU to PWI transition held at FAMU Fall 2017
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I grew up in Upstate New York, although its more urban than one might think my high school was very diverse.
I attended a high school that at the time had students who spoke a total of 26 different languages. I had never seen an African American male teacher, and I wanted to witness Black Excellence in its truest and most pure form.
Flyer for panel discussion Fall 2017
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
It was a time in my life that I really needed to find myself, and the core of my "blackness". I suffered impostor syndrome initially and wasn't sure if I would be able to make it there four years. I contemplated transferring back home to a PWI.
Then homecoming happened and probate season lol.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Too many to name, but I attribute where I am today to every experience I had while enrolled at my Alma mater J.C. Smith.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Deborah Carter-Quick, Dr. Tom Priest, Professor Catherine Montsinger.
Each of these professors were my major professors and stretched my train of thought, Montsinger wrote one of my letters for my current Doctoral program.
Coach James Saunders, and "Momma Jones" Dr. Cathy Jones were instrumental in me being able to remain at Smith.
Comments
Johnson C. Smith University
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Students: 1,438
Under Graduates: 1,375
Post Graduates: 63 - Athletics: Johnson C. Smith University competes as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for all 13 varsity sports. Johnson C. Smith University offers Basketball. Cross Country. Football, Golf, Track & Field, Tennis, Bowling, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Sadye Curry - 1963 - First African-American woman to become a gastroenterologist in the United States** De'Audra Dix - 2009 - CFL Player** Leford Green - 2011 - Track Athlete** Cheris F. Hodges - 1999 - Author of African American romance novels** John Taylor - Attended - Member of the 49ers teams that won Super Bowls XXIII, XXIV, and XXIX. He was also a 2xPro Bowler** Faya Ora Rose Touré - 1969 - American civil rights activist and lawyer. She was the first black female judge in Alabama** Danielle Williams - 2014 - Track athlete** Shermaine Williams - 2011 - Track athlete** Steve Wilks - Football Assistant coach, Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers** Mike Minter - Football Assistant coach, former NFL safety for the Carolina Panthers** Edward Jackson - Football Coach, one of the greatest HBCU football coaches of all-time. **
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