Vincent Covington, Bethune-Cookman University- c/o 2010, Business Administration with a concentration in Management
Name : Vincent Covington
HBCU : Bethune-Cookman University
Graduation Year : 2010
Major : Business Administration with a concentration in Management
Email : vince.shai77@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I hail from Orlando, Florida by way of Monroe, Louisiana. My earliest memories of HBCUs came from my Aunt who attended Grambling State University.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I was intrigued by the show "A Different World " and the movie "School Daze." As my high school years were coming to an end I identified with wanting to learn from instructors who looked like me, who understood our history of struggle, and perseverance. I was accepted by Alabama A&M University and Alabama State as well. I was also accepted as a Walk-On Football player for the spring semester.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Well, it was a different world but I felt good about it right away.
Upon arrival I was greeted by a former teammate of mine I met in Tampa. When I entered my dorm room in BRONSON HALL, my High School classmate Larry was in the room...what a surprise! I made the team that spring and was invited to fall camp for the Fighting WILDCATS! In that setting, I met lifelong friends and a family of sorts. At a particular point I had to take some time off; an 8-year period due to financial aid issues. Once everything was cleared up, I was able to finish strong and attain my degree. I did this for myself, my family, friends and my roommates and teammates who were unable to finish. I followed the mantra of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune... "Enter to learn and depart to serve."
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Witnessing the baddest BAND in the Land...the MARCHING WILDCATS! What a sight to this day. The tour of our Founder's home was and is still impressive. Experiencing Black History Month with a kickoff at her doorsteps...was such a unique evening.
The BCR or Black College Reunions...good times with the crew! Freshman Week Apollo Talent Show...my first time getting up and singing solo...and it was draw due to the M.C. playing favorites to his guys...but very memorable. Meeting the LEGEND Coach Cy, what a great man. I could go on and on!
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Johnson, she offered an extra credit assignment on the Hametic Hypothesis...what an eye opener on our history in this country. Dr. Aubrey Long, Dr. Caslan, Mr. Burney, Dr. Halkides, Dr. Patel, they taught us that we had what it takes to make it and they helped us to see it in ourselves.
What sports do/did you play at your HBCU? What positions?
Football - WR
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
Bethune Grill ...when I ate chicken and meat.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
Navigating through the summer to find my own place and pay my bills.
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
I handled it with understanding that the authorities had to do their job although I knew my classmate and I were nowhere near the scene.
Name 1-2 Global Majority (“melanin-efficient”) people that have inspired you. And why? (e.g. Oprah, Malcom X, Marcus Garvey, etc.)
Malcolm X due to his complete journey of recognizing we are all here and equal. The founder of my HBCU! Her vision and legacy says it all!
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Bethune-Cookman University
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Students: 4,045
- Athletics: Bethune–Cookman University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and participates in NCAA Division I FCS. The school sponsors basketball, bowling, baseball, cross country, football, track and field and volleyball. B–CU has an intense in-state rivalry with FAMU. Today, they meet annually in the Florida Classic, a regular-season, neutral-site game which takes place in Orlando, FL.
- Notable Alumni: Marjorie Joyner - 1973 - Inventor of the permanent wave machine** Dr. Evelyn Bethune - 1979 - CEO of the Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Legacy Foundation, Inc and granddaughter of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune** Henry Lyons - Former President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.** A. Philip Randolph - 1907 - Civil rights leader; attended the Cookman Institute, before it merged with Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School and became Bethune-Cookman** Gregory Drane - 2002 - Current Director of Athletic Bands at Pennsylvania State University** Yvonne Scarlett-Golden - Educator and activist; the first African American mayor of Daytona Beach, Florida, elected in 2003** James Bush III - 1979 - Current member of the Florida House of Representatives District 109** Ryan Davis - Current NFL player** Kevin Ferguson, aka Kimbo Slice - attended - Street fighter and mixed martial arts fighter** Cy McClairen - 1953 - First Bethune-Cookman alumnus in National Football League who played tight end for five seasons; served as head football coach, head basketball coach, and athletics director at Bethune-Cookman** Eric Weems - 2007 - Current NFL wide receiver**
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