Shamika Williams-Minisee, Alabama A & M University- c/o 2004, Business Administration with a concentration in Management
Name : Shamika Williams-Minisee
HBCU : Alabama A & M University
Graduation Year : 2004
Major : Business Administration with a concentration in Management
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from St. Louis Missouri. I first heard about HBCUs from my mother, she went to Harris Teachers College which is now Harris Stowe University.
Professor Dike at AAMU | Image Credit: aamu.edu/
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU over a pwi because it was instilled in me as a young child. I remember the stories that teachers took care of the students and that the experience at an HBCU was priceless. Looking back at my experience on the hill, I couldn’t agree more.
I came to visit AAMU during homecoming in 1999. Homecoming week was ALL THE WAY LIVE, the campus was beautiful, the band was AMAZING and I was hooked. I actually applied to three other HBCU’s and one pwi and was accepted but I became a Bulldog the minute I stepped on the yard.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
The story of my experience to date at AAMU is the bonds that I’ve made. Aside from learning from the best, I met and married my best friend, I am still friends with those that I met my freshman year and above all, I get this tingly feeling the minute I turn the corner and see the “hill”.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
First love, and first heartbreak all happened on the hill.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I’d say that Mr. Dyke left a lasting impression upon me as a student. While studying business and management information systems he was a major component to my success. Mr. Dyke made learning fun and he actually took the time to joke with us as well as get to know us.
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
I was a cheerleader, on the dance team, student gov rep, debate team and in fbla. I chose to stay active because it just came natural to me.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
WING SHACK…I enjoyed the lemon pepper wings the most.
College crush?
HA!
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
Not that I can remember.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Initially I majored in computer science but quickly discovered that I was not interested in programming and learning so much language. Although I am a geek, I’m a cool one.
Therefore, I chose Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems. I choose Business Administration because it suits me best. I have my hand in a lot of things and several things interest me and the great thing is, they all fit the Business Admin puzzle.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment at my HBCU will come to pass when one of the youth I mentor be it one of my three children, one of my host of nieces and nephews or a child from church applies, gets accepted and graduates from that University.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
The spots……….definitely the park down town for night walks.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
A&M A&M A&M A&M U…WOOOOOOOOOO A BOOTY BOOTY! HA!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Of course I was active. I was the VP of the St. Louis Club, I was also a campus queen one year (Ms. St. Louis) in the student government association, on the pep squad, in FBLA, University Echoes and the Pre-Alumni Association.
Where is the “yard” located?
Normal Alabama
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Council Hall and Hurt Hall
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
N/A
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
March 18, 2004, when I gave birth to my first child, while on spring break and I was back in school on March 22, 2004 because I had to graduate!
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
I think that I shake it off. Being a darker skinned black woman, I’ve dealt with racism all of my life.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I overcame my nervousness about going to college by going back home to visit every chance I got!
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
My HBCU prepared me for a diverse workplace by teaching the students to love themselves. Once this is mastered, diversity is easy. Based on my experiences at AAMU I can walk in a room of 100 people, non black and be able to be myself.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
I would tell the student to ask for help, google the instructions, speak to a staff at school and even go to social media to seek out information from sites like this. Someone is always here to help.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
You can do it.
Get up, get out, and get something.
Are you a member of a sorority?
I pledged Delta Sigma Theta but not at my University.
Comments
Alabama A & M University
-
Students: 5,628
Under Graduates: 4,505
Post Graduates: 1,123 - Athletics: Alabama A&M's sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics sponsors men's intercollegiate basketball, football, baseball, cross country, golf, tennis and track & field along with women's intercollegiate tennis, basketball, soccer, track, cross country, bowling, volleyball and softball. Also offered are men's and women's swimming clubs.
- Notable Alumni: Joseph Lowery - American minister in the United Methodist Church and leader in the Civil Rights Movement ** Harriet Josephine Terry - Founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Taught English at AAMU for 37 years** Ruben Studdard - Contemporary R&B, pop and gospel music singer** Frank Kearse - NFL Defensive Lineman** Jearl Miles-Clark - Olympic Gold Medalist
- Click here to view on Wikipedia