Michael Finkley, Allen University- c/o 2011, English Literature
Name : Michael Finkley
HBCU : Allen University
Graduation Year : 2011
Major : English Literature
Minor : African American Studies
Email : michael@thefinkleyexperience.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born and raised in Mullins, South Carolina. My mother always told my sisters and I she wanted us to have a career instead of a job. I did not know what that meant until later in life. When I reached senior year in high school and "college talk" was all the rave!
I knew I wanted to attend, but did not know how to get started; this was when I found out I was a first generation student. My high school started college tours and I was chosen to attend. When I landed on the campus of Allen University, I felt something special. I loved the home-like, family-like atmosphere and what they had to offer. I applied on the spot and within a few weeks, I was accepted. I LOVED my HBCU experience; I would relive it and NOT change a thing!
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
When I toured the campuses of HBCUs, I saw the family atmosphere, the small classroom sizes, and working professionals who looked like me. I did not see much of that at PWIs.
I wanted to be known by my name and not by my student identification number.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
When I arrived on the campus of Allen University, I hated it! I hated it because it was new for me. I wanted to go back home, work, and then go to a local college near my hometown. I told my mom this and she was on her way to pick me up.
After she talked with my step-dad, she did not come. This was one of the best decisions she could have made for me, besides giving birth to me. I excelled! I started recruiting for my institution freshmen year, I joined organizations, I was initiated into a fraternity, and the list continues. I always tell students that college is what you make it. You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I had a lot of first time experiences. My eyes were open to a world I had never seen before. I gained the confidence to speak and present in front of others, network with prestigious individuals, and meet some of the best people in my life that I still call my friends until this day!
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Picture it! Sophomore year; I was introduced to Dr. Ronnie Hopkins. He was my oral speech professor. Everyone told me I was the younger version of him through our mannerisms. I modeled myself after him because I wanted to be just like him. I still find myself doing this present day.
There was also Dr. Pamela Wilson-Martin. She was my academic advisor until she became the first female president of Allen University during my senior year. She was very hard on me, but I definitely appreciate it today! I learned from her that you have to work hard for everything in life and prove to yourself that you can achieve anything if you REALLY put your mind to it.
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Allen University
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Students: 600
- Athletics: Allen University currently maintains intercollegiate teams for men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s track & field and cross-country, women’s volleyball, and men’s wrestling.
- Notable Alumni: Tywanza Sanders - 2014 - Victim of the Charleston church massacre**Clementa Carlos Pinckney - 1995 - Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, 73rd District (1997- 2000) SC Senate District 45 (2000-2015)**Joseph DeLaine - Minister and civil rights leader who worked with South Carolina NAACP on the legal case Briggs vs Elliot in 1952. It was one of the four cases argued under Brown vs. Board of Education**Lewis C. Dowdy - 1939 - American educator; Sixth president and first chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University**
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