
Kambria Ruffin, Grambling State University- c/o 2018, Public Relations

Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Los Angeles, California and was introduced to HBCUs by my parents.

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Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
There is an overwhelming feeling of family at an HBCU. From day one, I’ve always felt welcomed and valued and HBCU alum continue to pave the way of black excellence in education. Plus, it is beautiful to be surrounded by educated black people, and to learn from professors who share similar experiences.

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What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at Grambling has been amazing. I transferred in as a junior and was a little nervous about going to a new school, but everyone was so welcoming and the transition was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
My favorite thing about my HBCU is that the faculty and administration really try to better me as a person. Not only have they kept my education career in mind, but they also lift me up spiritually and provide emotional support as well. Grambling has really lived up to its motto “where everybody is somebody.”
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first experience with an HBCU was actually attending a West Coast GSU alumni picnic with my parents when I was in high school. It was the first time I really saw how much of a family the HBCU community is.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Edu has a reputation of being a pretty tough professor, and honestly, it’s a love/hate relationship with him, but I’ve learned so much from his guidance. Not only was he my research professor but he is also my academic advisor. There was a point during the semester when I felt overwhelmed by the workload he assigned and when I went to speak to him about it, he actually assigned me more to do. He told me that whenever I thought that I couldn’t do anymore, take a deep breath and push just a little further. That assignment ended up being submitted to a national research competition.
He is tough, really tough, but he saw more potential in me than I saw in myself and I appreciate him so much for that.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Did you know that there is an app that literally picks your dream HBCU for you! HBCU HUB app is here to help high school students apply, prepare, and get accepted by their dream HBCU.
We passionately believe in service, legacy and unapologetically doin’ it for the culture. We also believe that an educated black person can take over the world.
You can download HBCU HUB for Apple and Android.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Follow your heart and remember what you’re here for. You can achieve greatness, make sure you’re working towards that.
Category : Student
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Grambling State University

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Students: 4,863
Under Graduates: 3,883
Post Graduates: 980 - Athletics: Grambling State University competes in the NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Currently, the Grambling State University Department of Athletics sponsors Men's Intercollegiate football, along with men's and women's basketball, baseball, track & field, softball, golf, soccer, tennis, bowling and volleyball. RIVALS: Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University.
- Notable Alumni: Charles M. Blow - 1991 - New York Times columnist** Erykah Badu - Grammy Award-winning artist** Natalie Desselle-Reid - Actress best known for roles in B*A*P*S, Def Jam's How to Be a Player, and Disney's Cinderella** Judi Ann Mason - Television writer, producer and playwright** Burl Cain - Master's degree in criminal justice, now warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary (also known as Angola)** Ollie Tyler - Mayor of Shreveport; former interim state superintendent of education; former Caddo Parish school superintendent** E. Edward Jones - 1952 - Educator, civil rights advocate, pastor, and former president of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., in Shreveport** Edward Joseph Price - 1975 - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 58), businessman in Gonzales** Alicia Reece - Politician, member of the Ohio House of Representatives (33rd district)** Robert Bobb - Politician and public administrator; Emergency Financial Director for Detroit Public Schools; city manager for thirty years in the cities of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Santa Ana, California; and Richmond, Virginia** Israel "Bo" Curtis - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 2008; member of the Rapides Parish School Board from 1976 to 1992** Bettye Davis - Member of the Alaska Senate and former member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 21st district** Rick Gallot - Democratic member of the Louisiana State Senate for District 29 since 2012; former state representative for the 11th district** Jeff Hall - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 26), accountant in Alexandria** Patricia Cage-Bibbs - 1972 - Women's basketball head coach at North Carolina A&T State University, Hampton University, and Grambling State University; has over 400 wins in her coaching career** Ronnie Coleman - Professional bodybuilder and eight-time Mr. Olympia winner** Jason Hatcher - 2006 - Current NFL defensive end** Tyree Hollins - professional football player** Doug Williams - former NFL quarterback; MVP of Super Bowl XXII**
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Website: http://www.gram.edu/
- Click here to view on Wikipedia