Isaac Williams, Bethune-Cookman University- c/o 2020, Health Science/Physical Therapy
Name : Isaac Williams
HBCU : Bethune-Cookman University
Graduation Year : 2020
Major : Health Science/Physical Therapy
Minor : Nutrition
Email : isaacwilliams12@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I hail from Atlanta Georgia and am a graduate of Creekside High School. I was introduced to HBCU’s by my middle school band director Mr. Dexter Bailey. He himself is also an alumnus of Bethune-Cookman University and the Marching Wildcat Band.
Over the years learning from him was a huge inspiration for me to really figure out what HBCU’s could do for me. I have two passions for a career: Music and Physical Therapy. Mr. Bailey helped me to realize that I can be passionate about both things. Also that whatever I truly want to do, divide the clock up and manage your time.
Anything can be achieved once you put the work behind it.
A shot of me in my Emerald Green Blazer after my induction and becoming a Member of Progressive Black Men Incorporated. A male initiative organization on campus dedicated to academic excellence, communal support, and promoting the fellowship of brothers.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU over a PWI simply because of the atmosphere that embodies the campus everyday. There is genuine care in everyone’s behavior.
However everything wasn’t handed to me on a platter either. It forces you to build initiative for yourself and seek out your own success. No one will ever be successful for you but there are numerous people that are always ready to help you get there. I feel like this is my second home with a family of 3,000+ people.
All those people from different walks of life helping each other and achieve the same goal.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My HBCU experience has been nothing short of amazing. My progression and personal growth has surprised me every time I reflect on my first day of freshman year. Being a young adult at an HBCU teaches you a lot about priorities and maintaining certain areas of your life.
Things such as academics, finances, and especially your social life. Once you go through a couple of “late night study sessions” and “fake friends” you become more accustomed to building a drive to get things done. The great thing about Bethune-Cookman is that our university wouldn't have been founded without drive and perseverance. Our Founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune left such a rich legacy within our school that it continues to breed ambitious and strong young men and women.
An action shot of Isaac in his Drum Major uniform. The Marching Wildcats are in the middle of performing their halftime show for homecoming. (Oct 6. 2018)
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first time at an HBCU I was so excited. I wanted to experience everything at once but didn’t know where to go. There was no trouble finding help however. Adjusting to classes was different but as I made friends and learned my surroundings prioritizing had to take place. It takes time to get adjusted but I’m a well oiled machine now.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
The professor that has impacted my life is Dr. Donovan Wells the Director of Bands here at BCU. He granted me my scholarship that allowed me to cover my tuition fees and attend school. Since I’ve been here he has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons that are crucial to learn now so that life after college is not a surprise to me.
Whenever the band would mess up or not understand a concept, he always takes the time to explain and elaborate why things are the way they are and how the world we live in works.
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Bethune-Cookman University
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Students: 4,045
- Athletics: Bethune–Cookman University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and participates in NCAA Division I FCS. The school sponsors basketball, bowling, baseball, cross country, football, track and field and volleyball. B–CU has an intense in-state rivalry with FAMU. Today, they meet annually in the Florida Classic, a regular-season, neutral-site game which takes place in Orlando, FL.
- Notable Alumni: Marjorie Joyner - 1973 - Inventor of the permanent wave machine** Dr. Evelyn Bethune - 1979 - CEO of the Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Legacy Foundation, Inc and granddaughter of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune** Henry Lyons - Former President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.** A. Philip Randolph - 1907 - Civil rights leader; attended the Cookman Institute, before it merged with Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School and became Bethune-Cookman** Gregory Drane - 2002 - Current Director of Athletic Bands at Pennsylvania State University** Yvonne Scarlett-Golden - Educator and activist; the first African American mayor of Daytona Beach, Florida, elected in 2003** James Bush III - 1979 - Current member of the Florida House of Representatives District 109** Ryan Davis - Current NFL player** Kevin Ferguson, aka Kimbo Slice - attended - Street fighter and mixed martial arts fighter** Cy McClairen - 1953 - First Bethune-Cookman alumnus in National Football League who played tight end for five seasons; served as head football coach, head basketball coach, and athletics director at Bethune-Cookman** Eric Weems - 2007 - Current NFL wide receiver**
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