Rolanda Sue Johnson, Johnson C. Smith University- c/o 2012, Biology & Chemistry
Name : Rolanda Sue Johnson
HBCU : Johnson C. Smith University
Graduation Year : 2012
Major : Biology & Chemistry
Minor : N/A
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
Born in Georgetown, Guyana. I was a participant in the Upward Bound Programs on the campus of JCSU and the rest is history. There I was afforded the opportunity to interact with professors, link up with the tennis coach, and explore campus life.
Being so family oriented the commute from the campus to home was perfect.
"I was a participant in the Upward Bound Programs on the campus of JCSU and the rest is history."
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
When I went to visit other campuses it just wasn’t the same. Essentially I think my HBCU chose me.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Along with my great academic experiences I have met some lifelong friends at my institution. Over the years I have grown from a young lady into a woman. JCSU has made me more diverse and open minded. It has helped me get more involved into my community and it I get exposure to many people from different networks. Also being a student-athlete helps me take my pride from in the classroom to tennis courts.
Overall my experience has been rewarding and unforgettable. I love my Gold and Blue.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
First time I pulled all nighters, got my first C, first time I went streaking ????
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
The professor that has impacted my college career the most would have to be Dr. Joseph Fail (RIP). He teaches botany, ecology, evolution, and other special topics biology classes.
Dr. Fail (RIP) would have to be the hardest biology teacher at JCSU but I appreciate him for that. He never cuts his students any slack, he is always willing to help, and his teaching style helps in retaining the information. He also wants his students to succeed so he always make sure that he exposes us to the right people and provides us with many opportunities within our major.
"Winning the title of Miss JCSU would have to be one of my proudest moments"
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
Enso: any type of sushi rolls especially the kiss me rolls
Chipotle: chicken and steak burrito bowl Cookout: always fast and cheap, especially if its late and you are on a budget Rock bottom, Carrabbas, Fuel, Buffalo Wild Wings, Outback Steak House.
College crush?
A poet
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
There have been rumors that some of the dorms were hospitals and at night students claim to have heard ghost. Also says that lovers meet on the bridge at midnight and a female ghost lingers on the clock above biddle hall.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Biology and Chemistry. I have always been interested in the sciences since I was a child so by the time I got to college my mind was set on being a science major.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
Winning the title of Miss JCSU would have to be one of my proudest moments along with my travels to Haiti to start our new JCSU-Haitian Initiative.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Best place to cuddle would have to be in your room but on nice days you can catch couples on the bleachers by the tennis courts.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
“This aint nothing but a smith thing that’s all that’s all that’s all, to the window (to the window), to the wall (to the wall)” “Rock the Blue and Gold” “We the BEST in the CI CI DOUBLE A”
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Miss JCSU 11-12, Captain Women’s tennis team, President of Student Athletic Advisory Committee, VP of the Science Club, STEM Tutor, Upward Bound Tutor Counselor, Miss Kappa Alpha Psi 10-11, NSBE, Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society.
Where is the “yard” located?
In the center of the campus, mostly referred to as the “block”
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Biddle Hall located on the block Campus itself is historic because it is built on the highest hill in Charlotte.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I was never really nervous about going to college. I felt prepared and I had a great support system, my family.
I have not decided if I am going to pledge.
Comments
Johnson C. Smith University
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Students: 1,438
Under Graduates: 1,375
Post Graduates: 63 - Athletics: Johnson C. Smith University competes as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for all 13 varsity sports. Johnson C. Smith University offers Basketball. Cross Country. Football, Golf, Track & Field, Tennis, Bowling, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Sadye Curry - 1963 - First African-American woman to become a gastroenterologist in the United States** De'Audra Dix - 2009 - CFL Player** Leford Green - 2011 - Track Athlete** Cheris F. Hodges - 1999 - Author of African American romance novels** John Taylor - Attended - Member of the 49ers teams that won Super Bowls XXIII, XXIV, and XXIX. He was also a 2xPro Bowler** Faya Ora Rose Touré - 1969 - American civil rights activist and lawyer. She was the first black female judge in Alabama** Danielle Williams - 2014 - Track athlete** Shermaine Williams - 2011 - Track athlete** Steve Wilks - Football Assistant coach, Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers** Mike Minter - Football Assistant coach, former NFL safety for the Carolina Panthers** Edward Jackson - Football Coach, one of the greatest HBCU football coaches of all-time. **
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