Sherie Phillips, Harris-Stowe State University- c/o 2012, Communications and Fine Arts
Name : Sherie Phillips
HBCU : Harris-Stowe State University
Graduation Year : 2012
Major : Communications and Fine Arts
Email : sphillipsbd@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Saint Louis, Missouri.
I had never been properly introduced to an HBCU.
But our college advisers in high school gave me information about the different types of colleges and minority scholarships. So all the information that I had gained was independent knowledge. I had applied to three HBCUs and three PWIs.
Nubian Queen Sherie Phillips (c/o 2012) of the Great HBCU, Harris-Stowe State University | Image Credit: Sherie Phillips
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Actually, I didn’t. My freshman year was spent at a PWI and when my scholarship ran out, my academic advisor encouraged me to look into Harris-Stowe because of my major and my finances.
It was the best suggestion he could have had.
Initially, I was unsure but when he told me that his daughter was even at a different institution because the debt wasn’t worth the inconsistency of financial aid, I was sold. I’m sure if my finances were different, his suggestion would have been different.
Felt Like Home - Feel free to elaborate…
Harris-Stowe was the most highly recommended, affordable, quality education in Saint Louis. And I wasn’t ready to leave home; especially in the middle of the school year. But I didn’t want to sit out neither. It was just the right thing to do at the time which turned out to be the best decision I could have made!
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My HBCU experience came with so much. I learned about BGLO’s, fell in love, pledged a sorority, became a road tripper, and so much more!
I met friends that I know I will have forever, built so many networks… I mean I could go on and on!
The moment I knew my HBCU was a place of love and family was when I could accidentally not have my ID when going into offices for assistance and they didn’t need my ID. They know you by name, remember your situations, and work and love you anyway!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
N/A
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Professor Elsesser of history and Dr. Johnson of entrepreneurship. They were both great assets to my academic career and very supportive during the semesters I spent in their classes. I experienced a lot and with their own reasoning, they encouraged me to continue moving forward.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
Pappy’s and Sweetie Pies! Pappy’s was literally one step off of campus and some of the best barbecue ever! And Sweetie Pies became a Sunday ritual for me and my chapter! It was the closest thing to a home cooked meal for some of us.
College crush?
My college crush was an upperclassman of another local university (a PWI). I won’t say his name but he was a sight to see!
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major was business administration but after meeting with the on-campus counselor, I changed it to communications and fine arts. She gave me a few assessments and we figured out what I was good at and what I could potentially see me doing in the future. It was again, another great decision because it dramatically increased my GPA.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Any campus Sports events and Kiener Plaza downtown were all good cuddle spots. You always wanted to show your “boo” off without making a scene!
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
I love my H! I love my S! I love my S! I love my U! I love my H-S-S-U!!!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I was very active on campus! I was a cheerleader, Girl Talks Mentor, chair of the Homecoming Committee, chair of Welcome Week, Student Government Association, and so much more.
High school was pretty much the same. I was a member of the dance squad as well as the step team, Red Cross volunteer, young ladies of elegance, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, ran track and racial dialog.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
There was a step team audition that turned out to be for a fraternity’s non-greek stroll off. The captain and all parties involved were very welcoming and soon I felt like a part of the family, not just part of a step team.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
My HBCU had a diverse student body so preparing for a diverse workplace was an easy transition. My high school was the complete opposite of my college, so it was not difficult to transition or adapt to any environment.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Do not let money be your deterrent! There is a lot of unclaimed money that is here for your education! And don’t hesitate to do campus visits! Don’t wait until you’re in college to take the assessments for your future. You don’t want to waste time trying to get to know yourself.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Do not take anything for granted! Cherish and enjoy each and every moment that is placed in front you you because once it’s gone, it’s gone!
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
My HBCU actually introduced me to the careers workforce by the many career fairs on campus and by allowing graduates to still attend.
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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**
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