Kathy Bryant, Tougaloo College- c/o 2001, Elementary Education
Name : Kathy Bryant
HBCU : Tougaloo College
Graduation Year : 2001
Major : Elementary Education
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
Prentiss, MS. My parents both attended HBCUs. My mom completed her undergraduate degree at Alcorn State University and my dad attended Jackson State University.
“This HBCU (Tougaloo College) established the foundation for my success…” – Kathy Bryant | Image Credit: Kathy Bryant
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because of the relevant culture I was immersed in. I felt comfortable with people who I could relate to and with.
[How did you decide to become a student at Tougaloo College?]
I took a campus tour of all three colleges/universities: Alcorn (ASU), Jackson State (JSU) & Tougaloo College (TC).
Out of all three TC just felt the most welcoming & nurturing. I was greeted with a big hug and warm smile on TC campus whereas I didn’t feel well received on the other campuses.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My story is simple! I formed friendships and made connections that I will cherish for the rest of my life! Tougaloo Eagle Queen , thee I love!
This HBCU established the foundation for my success as of today, and the success yet to come! I often reflect on TCs’ small knit family and appreciate their nurturing inspiration.
Sometimes as I’m driving or sitting somewhere by myself tears of joy start to stream down my face because I think of the goodness of God and think how far he has brought me……from a little country girl to a TC alumni….to a teacher ..to an assistant professor of education. God has truly indeed been good to me!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
N/A
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Content faculty in my discipline /department, such as Dr. Galloway, who helped me to overcome my shyness and enabled me to see my full potential.
He persuaded me to apply to the Ronald E. McNair program & today I can say that I’m a McNair Scholar!
Amazing person and proud HBCU Alumnus, Kathy Bryant shares with us her experience at the one and only Esteemed Tougaloo College!
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
Mama Hamil’s (soul food…chicken & dumpling)
College crush?
Really didn’t have just one (basically all of the upperclassmen hit on the freshman & sophomores).
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Elementary Education was chosen to help give back to the community, to be a positive role model to our younger generation!
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Off campus!
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
Go bulldogs!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I was a member of some honor societies, attended some of the on-campus events (parties, fashion & step shows ) and a member of the yearbook staff.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I overcame my nervousness by making friends and getting to know my professors.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
It didn’t prepare me as well as I thought it could have. I felt like I had been sheltered once I arrived at a PWI for my master’s degree. I went from being a majority at TC to a minority at UM.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Make sure you apply to more than one college, make sure you submit your application packet before the deadline (try not to procrastinate & if you do, procrastinate wisely), do a peer review (besides doing a spell check, let someone else read over your material before submitting it), take your time and make sure you have attached all necessary documents, error proof & free of stains (food, oil, makeup, etc) and last but not least, make multiple copies of everything you submit.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
I know it sounds cliche, but I’m sincere: You can do anything you set your mind to do! I along with our ancestors have high expectations for you! For education isn’t the preparation for life, but life itself! ~John Dewey
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
It offered me connections and resources to help me transition into my career. My first job teaching at the collegiate level was at my alma mater, TC!
Comments
Tougaloo College
-
Students: 900
- Athletics: Tougaloo College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), competing in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, tennis and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Colia Clark - Civil rights activist and candidate for U.S. Senate in New York** Aunjanue Ellis - Attended - actor** Anne Moody - Author and civil rights activist** Aaron Shirley, MD - Founder of Jackson Medical Mall and recipient of MacArthur award** Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi, PhD - 1991 - Astrophysicist and popularizer of science, graduated from Tougaloo College with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics. Went on to graduate from Stanford University with a PhD in Physics** Walter Turnbull, PhD - Founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem** Karen Williams Weaver, PhD - 1982 - Mayor, city of Flint, Michigan**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia