Kari Dickens, Bethune-Cookman University- c/o 2012, Criminal Justice
Name : Kari Dickens
HBCU : Bethune-Cookman University
Graduation Year : 2012
Major : Criminal Justice
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
Washington DC.
The Marching Wildcats about to perform!
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I decided to become a student at Bethune Cookman University after recieving a band scholarship to become apart of the Marching wildcats. without my scholarship I probably would not be apart of something as great as this legacy.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I was very nervous going so far away from my hometown which is washington d.c, not to mention the first to attend college in my family. I was basically entering a new environment.
Joining the band has been the best decision to make. It has taught me discipline, and welcomed me with love to a very big family away from home. I managed to keep good grades, and became apart of the best sorority “Tau Beta Sigma”. I never knew I would be as successful as I am now. Im going into my senior year at Cookman, and pleased to say that my journey has only begun.
Washington, DC – Home To President Obama (Image Courtesy of Soul of America)
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first party,registered voting card,marching band performance, love… :)
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
In the criminal justice department you have many professors who strive to help all students achieve academically. All of my professors have given go qualities to last a life time. Bethune Cookman is very small which is a good thing because you build great bonds with your professors.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
The Bethune Grill is the best spot near BCU. I always get 6 pc with fries oh yea and you can’t forget the fresh lemonade! :)
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I am an criminal justice major. I want to become an FBI Agent, Juvenile counselor, or Forensic Psychologist.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
2010 Football Season.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
The best spot is the beach. You can always go there to clear your mind…or cuddle :)
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
Hail Wildcats!!!! the band normally starts the chants!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am currently a proud member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Inc, and I plan to be more active in the future.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Mary’s House which is right beside the library, as well as her grave site.
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
My saddest moment was when my fellow band member “freshman brother” passed away. His smile always brightened up your day. He is truly missed.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I actually wasnt nervous at all. I wanted to get away. I love my family, but I knew that it was time to start my life. I didnt really have a choice either. I am in college to help myself and family, they deserve the best.
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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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