Jonathan Ellis, Fort Valley State University- c/o 2012, History
Name : Jonathan Ellis
HBCU : Fort Valley State University
Graduation Year : 2012
Major : History
Email : jonathanellis2003@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from Atlanta GA specifically the Ashview heights community located near Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, and Spelman College. I heard of HBCUs by applying for college and learning how they have historically been important in educating black people.
Dr. Berlethia J. Pitts | Image Credit: fvsu.edu
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I received a scholarship for FVSU and that sealed the deal for me.
[How did you decide to become a student at Fort Valley State University?]
The scholarship but then after being there for a while I met so many good friends and faculty I knew it was a good place.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience was mixed
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I did receive my first failing grade in college and I didn’t appreciate it. It was for a class I didn’t even need.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Most of my professors have and I hope I don’t miss any names but Dr. Clarke, Lutz, Hatesveldt, Smith, Dubuya, Bumpass, Pitts, Wyce and everyone in the Social Sciences.
Everything they thought me helped me understand the world and prepare me for my future career in education. Their teaching styles were all diverse and allowed me to learn from different types of people.
Jonathan Ellis, a strong and proud graduate of Fort Valley State University ’12 | Image Credit: Jonathan Ellis
What sports do/did you play at your HBCU? What positions?
N/A
N/A
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
No sports but I was on the chess team.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
Basically the Chinese place. Don’t remember the name. We also had a Chic Fila and Papa John’s on campus. I mostly enjoyed Pepperoni Pizza for Papa Johns. The cafe food was not very appetizing and that’s all I can say about that. But the omelets were great.
College crush?
She knows who she is. Intelligent young woman. I admire her academic achievements.
Who invited you to interview with us?
N/A
Your wildest moment at college?
N/A
What is your funniest college story? (everyone has one lol)
N/A
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
Not that I’m aware of.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
History. I chose history after I realized it fit what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I had already taken classes with many of the professors before so it was a perfect fit.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Haha no comment.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
Didn’t really go to sporting events.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Not as much as I should of been but my last years there I did join the History club and the Marketing club.
Where is the “yard” located?
Near the commons.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Almost everywhere because the school is so historical.
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
It was afterwards but a friend of mine died in a car accident not too long after I graduated.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
Being by myself at school made me realize that I would have to become an individual.
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
I’d address it upfront and challenge it.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I discovered my passion in high school by being in history class and really enjoying learning about it.
What's your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
Live life not in the pursuit of selfishness but help those around you.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I was actually never nervous. I’m rarely nervous about much. Learned to be calm in all situations at a young age.
Are you a member of a fraternity?
No. Never had any interest.
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
I would say “I love and miss you. May your souls rest in peace”.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
It didn’t give me a sense of diversity but taught me black unity and it’s importance in a world of racism.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Look for as many scholarships as possible. UNCF is a great resource as well as Google. Also ask your counselor for waivers on application fees.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Be attentive to what’s going on the world; apathy is dangerous.
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
I’m not currently working right now but my HBCU aided me in preparing for teaching by providing me with diverse perspectives of how to communicate to students.
Comments
Fort Valley State University
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Students: 2,227
Under Graduates: 2,004
Post Graduates: 223 - Athletics: Fort Valley State University athletic opportunities include intramural sports and intercollegiate men's basketball, cross country, football, tennis, and track and field, and women's basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, volleyball, and track and field. The school currently competes as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
- Notable Alumni: John W. Blassingame - 1960 - Professor and Chair of African Studies at Yale University for 29 years** Nick Harper - 2001 - Former NFL cornerback for the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts** Marquette King - 2012 - NFL punter for the Oakland Raiders** Ricardo Lockette - Former NFL wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers** Robert J. Jones - 1973 - Chancellor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign** Charles Robinson, Jr. - 1970 - President and CEO of Sadie G. Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta; first African American to become certified by the American College of Healthcare Administrators** Calvin Smyre 1970 - Elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1974 as its youngest member at age 26; current Executive Vice President of the $34 billion financial corporation Synovus Foundation**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia