Melody Wilson, Tuskegee University- c/o 2019, Business Marketing
Name : Melody Wilson
HBCU : Tuskegee University
Graduation Year : 2019
Major : Business Marketing
Email : melody.wilson97@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Fairfield, Alabama-a city about 10 minutes from Birmingham. I was introduced to HBCUs through my father and his side of the family. He, my siblings, and other relatives attended Alabama State University.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
When selecting schools, I never really had a preference in its type. I visited a lot of universities, both PWIs and HBCUs, but fell in love when I visited Tuskegee. I chose an HBCU because it was free and the family oriented vibe I received when I first arrived on campus.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at Tuskegee University has been very self-defining. I have always been an outgoing person, but meeting people who had the same mindset as me, made me want to strive for more. I am appreciative to attend an institution that supports its students whole-heartedly.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Due to being a member of the Tuskegee University Golden Voices Concert Choir, I have been able to meet a lot of people and travel the world. I have never been to the east or midwest coast or out the country until I joined the Golden Voices.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
The professors that have impacted my collegiate experience have to be my choral director, Dr. Wayne A.Barr who serves as Assistant Chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts and Director or Choral Activites and Assistant Dean of the Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Sciences, Dr. Faye Hall Jackson.
Though I come from a family of musicians, Dr.Barr has taught me a significant amount about vocal ability. Although I have been singing since I was five years old, Dr. Barr teaches me something daily about advancing my talents. As a freshman, he entrusted me with a challenging solo when he really did not have to.
Being a member of the choir and having to attend daily two hour rehearsals teaches the importance of diligence, discipline, and that anything can be accomplished through hard work. I initially thought that the rehearsal time was a stretch, but I appreciate the hard work now. He and I butt heads a lot, but I am so grateful for his tough love because I know that it’s only to produce greater.
Dr. Jackson is one of my favorite instructors in Brimmer. I am grateful for the relationship that she and I have developed. She is a great shoulder to cry on and very knowledgeable in her role as instructor. What I appreciate most about teachers at Tuskegee is the ability to develop a relationship outside of the classroom. I can talk to Dr. Jackson about personal issues as well as academia. She is so easy to speak to and very encouraging. She’s like my mom away from home.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
My process for undergoing hardships is, of course, prayer and surrounding myself with people who I know I can lean on when necessary.
Having a spiritual life can allow anyone to go through anything, and come out fine, because they know who their source is. When you are anchored in the most high, nothing unfamiliar that you go through can keep you down long.
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Tuskegee University
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Students: 3,118
- Athletics: Tuskegee University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and competes within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Tuskegee University offers Baseball, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Softball, Tennis, Football, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: William A. Campbell - 1937 - Member of the Tuskegee Airmen who rose to the rank of Colonel** Ralph Ellison - Scholar, author of Invisible Man** The Commodores - 70s R&B band whose members met while attending Tuskegee** Tom Joyner - 1971 - Radio host whose daily program, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, is syndicated across the United States and heard by over 10 million radio listeners.** General Daniel "Chappie" James - 1942 - US Air Force Fighter pilot, in 1975 became the first African American to reach the rank of four-star General** Lonnie Johnson (inventor) - Inventor of the Super Soaker, former NASA aerospace engineer** John A. Lankford - 20th century architect** Danielle Spencer - Television actress best known as Dee from the 1970s TV show What's Happening!!** Dr. Ptolemy A. Reid 1955 - Prime Minister of Guyana (1980–1984)** Rich Boy - Rapper** Lionel Richie - R&B singer, Grammy Award winner** Herman J. Russell - 1953 - Founder and former president and CEO of H. J. Russell Construction Co., the largest minority owned construction company in the US** Betty Shabazz - Wife of Malcolm X** Jake Simmons Jr. - 1919 - Oil broker and civil rights advocate** Keenen Ivory Wayans - Actor, comedian, and television producer** Elizabeth Evelyn Wright - Educator and humanitarian, founder of Voorhees College*
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