Lauren Taylor, Clark Atlanta University- c/o 2020, Public Policy and Administration
Name : Lauren Taylor
HBCU : Clark Atlanta University
Graduation Year : 2020
Major : Public Policy and Administration
Minor : Public Policy and Administration
Email : mslaurenltaylor@icloud.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from Detroit, Michigan. I was introduced to HBCUs by reading a novel titled “Leaving Atlanta” by Ms. Tayari Jones, a graduate of Spelman. Spike Lee also played a significant role in my desire to pursue my education at an HBCU and specifically CAU, with the film "School Daze".
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
There was never an option for me to choose a PWI instead of a HBCU. Growing up in an educationally dilapidated city, gave me a strong desire to want to be around African American scholars.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
As the 2019-2020 Graduate Student Association Vice-President, I’ve been able to experience a different side of my institution. As a student leader I’ve been invited to budget meetings with board members, which is directly related to my degree as a Masters of Public Administration candidate.
I’m in awe how my illustrious University really takes in time accounting the perspectives of all students and works to implement directives that embody all of the students.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Attending my HBCU was the first time I was ever surrounded by individuals who wanted to better themselves academically. Being at CAU I’ve met so many gifted and talented students who have so many goals, and I’m just honored to be around so much Black excellence.
There’s no such thing as an idea being “too big” or “far-fetched” when you attend CAU.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My favorite experience by far is actually getting to speak with amazing novelist Ms.Tayari Jones and tell her how much she influenced my decision to come to an HBCU. Ms. Jones is actually good friends with my former professor Dr. Black, and he actually called her in class so that I could speak with her.
I will appreciate him forever for that opportunity. Dr. Black is also the author of a series of novels that shaped the way I viewed the Atlantic Slave Trade and post-slavery America.
My bachelors degree is in Sociology with a minor in History, from Clark Atlanta University as well. Professors Dr. Simon and Dr. Patterson greatly attributed to me wanting to pursue my major and minor, as I originally came to CAU as a communications major.
My academic experience has been extremely unique as I’ve been blessed with the chance to learn from exemplary African American women who truly have a heart for educating young women.
Comments
Clark Atlanta University
-
Students: 3,485
- Athletics: Clark Atlanta University competes within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division II. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Ralph Abernathy - 1951 - Civil rights activist** Brenda S. Banks - Archivist, Deputy Director of the Georgia Department of Archives and History and founder of Banks Archives Consultants** Bryan Barber - 1996 - Director of the 2006 film Idlewild** Kenya Barris - Creator and executive producer of ABC's Black-ish** Marva Collins - 1957 - Educator; founder and director of the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois** Amanda Davis - News anchor at CBS 46 in Atlanta, Georgia** DJ Drama - 2000 - Music producer** Alexander Jefferson - 1942 - Retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and a member of the Tuskegee Airmen** Robert R. Jennings - President of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University** Henry C. "Hank" Johnson 1976 U.S. Congressman, Georgia 4th District Otis Johnson - 1969 - Mayor of Savannah, Georgia** Bomani Jones - 2001 - Sportswriter, Co-Host of Highly Questionable** Kenny Leon - 1978 - Tony Award winning Broadway and film director. Former artistic director of Atlanta's Alliance Theatre** Evelyn G. Lowery - American civil rights activist and leader; marched in the historic Selma to Montgomery March** Mason "Mase" Durrell Bethea - Rapper** Valeisha Butterfield Jones - 2000 - Founder and CEO of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), political strategist, youth and women’s activist, author and media personality** Eva Pigford - Model/actress; winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 3** Nnegest Likke - Movie director and screenwriter** Jacque Reid - 1995 - Journalist** Pernessa C. Seele - Immunologist and the CEO and founder of Balm in Gilead, Inc.** C. Lamont Smith - Sports agent, the founder and president of All Pro Sports and Entertainment** Ella Gaines Yates - First African-American director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia