Victoria Crawford, North Carolina Central University- c/o 2010, Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing
Name : Victoria Crawford
HBCU : North Carolina Central University
Graduation Year : 2010
Major : Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing
Email : avcrawford49@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I come from a long line of HBCU graduates. From my great-aunt, my mom, and older cousins, everyone made sure I was exposed to the rich history of HBCUs. In fact, the Aggie/Eagle Classic serves as our second family reunion.
Received the 2019 Recent Graduate Award
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
When I was 10 years old, my mom took me to NCCU to support my older cousin as he performed with his fraternity in his first step show. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt connected.
Miss NCCU opened the event. She was beautiful, confident, articulate, and she looked like me. I could see myself in her. I knew I had to have that experience, that connection when I went to college. There was never any other choice for me.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at North Carolina Central University can be defined by self-discovery, academic and professional growth, and a supportive environment. My HBCU taught me confidence in myself and in my abilities.
I attended a predominately white high school and was often the only POC in my class. I wasn't very outspoken in class because I didn't feel confident. That completely changed when I got to NCCU. The faculty and staff, my classmates and friends, all made me realize the importance and power behind my voice.
I left NCCU ready to make a difference in the world.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I had a lot of important "first time" experiences at NCCU. The first time I was excited about speaking up in class was during a freshman seminar course.
My first time taking a leadership role was with the Eagle Orientation staff. My first time speaking in front of a large crowd was when I introduced Dr. Hill Harper during a lyceum.
The first time I wore a crown was when I served as Miss Senior. I was fortunate to experience a lot of things I never thought I would do.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
The first person to take me under her wings was the then Director of Orientation, Dr. Janelle Simmons. She made me feel like family before I even enrolled in the University.
She always encouraged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Dr. Simmons had the greatest impact on my social and extracurricular growth during college. She ultimately influenced the direction I took with my career as well.
My former business professor, Dr. Sharron Hunter-Rainey, pushed me academically and professionally. She demanded excellence and taught me to confidently prepare for any situation. Dr. Hunter-Rainey also saved me from heading into a career I did not want.
During several visits to her office, we figured out what I truly wanted to do with my life. Both of these amazing women, continued to serve as mentors long after college.
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North Carolina Central University
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Students: 9,600
- Athletics: The North Carolina Central University Eagles (also NCCU) refer to the fourteen sports teams representing North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina in intercollegiate athletics, including men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis, and track and field; women's sports include bowling, softball, and volleyball; men's sports include baseball and golf. The Eagles compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- Notable Alumni: Maynard Jackson - 1964 - first black mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Graduate of NC Central University School of Law**Willie E. Gary - 1974 - attorney, motivational speaker and cable television executive**André Leon Talley - former American editor-at-large for Vogue magazine**Yahzarah - attended - singer**Ben Ruffin - 1964 - civil rights activist, educator, and businessman**Clarence Lightner - First black mayor of Raleigh, N.C.**Kevin Foy - Mayor, Chapel Hill, N.C.**Ivan Dixon - 1954 - actor, Hogan's Heroes**Kim Coles - comedian and actress**
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