Jennifer Edwards, Florida A & M University- c/o 2004, Chemistry
Name : Jennifer Edwards
HBCU : Florida A & M University
Graduation Year : 2004
Major : Chemistry
Minor : Biology
Email : geteducated@myhbcuinterview.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
Originally from Cleveland OH; l currently reside in Dallas, TX.
I wrote Howard admissions a letter when I was 12 and went on to earn my doctorate from there.
FAMU recruited me with an amazing full academic scholarship, an offer I couldn’t refuse.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I grew up in less diverse environments and wanted a chance to connect with others who looked looked like me.
The FAMU HBCU experience gave me confidence, security, and perseverance that I would not have gotten anywhere else.
Many shy away from earning an advanced degree at an HBCU, but I was in the sciences, so once again I wasn’t around many who looked like me and wanted to remain connected.
After a scan of all the programs in the area, Howard best met my academic interests and needs as well.
And now, I compete with the best of them and have not personally experienced any of the feared so-called barriers from making the double HBCU choice.
I’m now Principal Research Scientist at National Network of Public Health Institute.
My BS is in Chemistry, FAMU
PhD specializing in Public Health, Howard
Graduate Certificate in International Studies, Howard
Creator, Your Medical Power Planner (photo included)
Creator, Your Medical Power Planner
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I had a well-balanced experience with academic focus, but developed so many valuable friendships and relationships.
I developed my passion to be an advocate and to serve on the HBCU campus. The true history that had been skipped in the classroom when I was growing up was taught on our campuses and helped reshape my entire identity.
The FAMU and HU networks are strong and we support each other professionally.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
So many firsts.
HBCUs are a melting pot of cultures. African-Americans are not a monolith, and the entire diaspora seems to be represented on the HBCU campus.
Seeing so many students focused on achieving their dreams was awesome. Many of my friends went on to earn terminal degrees and I’m so proud of them.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My academic advisor, Mrs. Cofield truly shielded our group from the many administrative challenges that can emerge at an HBCU, or anywhere.
She had concern for our well-being, she kept me calm as my car was being towed out of a campus parking lot, she introduced us to churches in the area. She was just an amazing all around supporter and champion for the success of me and my BIONR classmates.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
I was a cheerleader and dancer at FAMU. I love the Marching 100’s SOS.
So much energy and so much fun to dance to!
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
It taught me to be strong and confident in who I am regardless of the microaggressions thrown my way.
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Florida A & M University
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Students: 9,614
- Athletics: Florida A&M University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and participates in NCAA Division I-AA. FAMU offers men's sports in baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming, tennis and track and field. It offers women's sports in basketball, bowling, softball, swimming, wrestling, tennis, track and field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Wilbert Bryant - Former Secretary of Education of Virginia** Raymond A. Brown - Attorney whose clients included Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur, boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and "Dr. X" physician Mario Jascalevich [2] Arthur R. Collins - 1982 - Founding partner of the Collins Johnson group, a strategy, policy and communications firm established in 2011** John W. Thompson - 1971 - Chairman and former President and CEO, Symantec Corporation; former VP IBM; part owner of the Golden State Warriors** Corrine Brown - 1969 - Current U.S. Congresswoman Andrew Gillum - Current Mayor of Tallahassee, Florida Alcee L. Hastings - Current U.S. Congressman Mia L. Jones - 1991 - Current member of the Florida House of Representatives Gwendolyn M. Miller - Chairwoman of the City Council in Tampa, Florida, District 1 David Scott - Current U.S. Representative from Georgia's 13th congressional district John W. Williams - Current Inspector General of the South Florida Water Management District Althea Gibson - Tennis player Daniel Sunjata - Actor, Broadway actor Gregory Anderson - Film producer (Tri-Destined Studios) Rob Hardy - Film producer (Rainforest Productions) T'Keyah Crystal Keymah - Actress Pam Oliver - Sports anchor William Packer - Film producer (Rainforest Productions) Angela Pitts - Contestant on Flavor of Love 3 and winner of I Love Money 2 Angela Robinson - Actress Anika Noni Rose - Tony Award-winning actress Peyton Alex Smith - Actor Common - attended - Music Artist K.Michelle - R&B singer Tyrese Gibson - attended - Singer, actor, author and producer stic.man - Member of hip-hop group Dead Prez M-1 - Member of hip-hop group Dead Prez Bernard Kinsey - Owner of one of the largest African-American art collections
- Click here to view on Wikipedia