Quinton Jackson, Harris-Stowe State University- c/o 2012, Education
Name : Quinton Jackson
HBCU : Harris-Stowe State University
Graduation Year : 2012
Major : Education
Minor : History
Email : qjackson@bplrclothing.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from Saint Louis,MO. I was introduced to HBCUs when I was around 7 or 8 years old. My cousin graduated from Grambling State.
Born Poor Live Rich Clothing® It's not about how you start in life,but how you adjust to it!
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I started at a pwi but after just one year I transferred back home to Harris Stowe University. I wanted to be around people that looked like myself and shared my views as well. Plus the tuition wasn’t high like my previous university. I found everything and more that I needed to become a young successful black man at Harris Stowe State University.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at my HBCU was quite different from many others due to the fact that my school was so small. While traveling as an ambassador (Mr. Harris Stowe State University ‘09) for the school many students from other HBCUs had never heard about Harris Stowe State University.
From that point on I told myself that I would somehow and some way put my school on the forefront. Being one of the only two HBCUs west of the Mississippi is an honor in itself. I learned how to make nothing out of something at my HBCU.
Perseverance and determination had to be learned during my time at my school due to low funding so we had to make what we had work in certain situations.
Born Poor Live Rich Clothing® It's not about how you start in life,but how you adjust to it!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
First time experience at my HBCU was at a basketball game versus Lincoln University (Jefferson City,MO). The energy and vibes that were felt in that gymnasium were like no other basketball game that I been to. It was simply amazing. I felt right at home like this is truly where I belong. Sounds corny but it’s the truth. The band and honeycomb dancers kept the energy flowing even after the game was over. I will never forget that experience.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
The majority of my professors were very impactful in learning but I must say the most impactful person that I came across during my time at Harris Stowe State University was the Resident Hall Director.
Mr. Baker would make sure that students would stay on top of their studies but he wanted the students to have fun as well. He campaigned on the students behalf to make sure events were put in place for students to also have fun. Though I never stayed on campus, whenever Mr. Baker saw me he would always remind me how I was a leader and how my actions can help change others actions.
Til this day I still keep in contact with Mr. Baker whenever the school needs a speaking guest or when students need their graduation stoles customized I make it happen. Being told that you are something special is a great feeling but actually believing it and seeing it firsthand through your own eyes is mind blowing. Mr. Baker instilled in me the confidence that I never knew I had.
Entrepreneur? Tell us about your business.
I am not only a teacher but I am a successful clothing Designer as well. The name of my brand is Born Poor Live Rich Clothing. It’s more of a streetwear brand that caters to those who like to look comfortable yet stylist. I began my business my junior year in school. I received a lot of support from many former students and current ones as well.
My HBCU taught me that if it’s something that you really want out of life then work hard and it will come. That’s what I’m doing with my business.
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Harris-Stowe State University
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Students: 1,464
- Athletics: Harris-Stowe State University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the American Midwest Conference (AMC).Harris-Stowe State University offers Baseball Basketball, Soccer, Women's sports, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Arlene Ackerman - Former superintendent of public schools in District of Columbia, San Francisco and Philadelphia** David S. Cunningham, Jr. - Los Angeles, California, City Council member, 1973–87** Julius Hunter - Retired television anchorman, former St. Louis University vice-president, author** Bobby Wilks - U.S. Coast Guard aviator, first African-American promoted to Captain in the Coast Guard**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia