It is impossible to overstate the role historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played in developing African-American scholars and leaders. Born in response to racist policies that kept students of color from attending many public and private colleges, HBCUs remain vibrant centers of learning, culture and discovery.
In honor of Black History Month, we asked a few of our Howard University grads to share why they chose an HBCU and how their alma mater prepared them for life and a career in architecture and design.
Bruce Arthur
Senior Project Manager / New York
Howard University
I chose Howard because: It had everything I was looking for—rich tradition, an urban location, and an established architectural program. I never had the opportunity to visit before I attended, but when I arrived and met my classmates and heard their stories, I knew I was home. Today I continue to take pride in my connection to Howard.
What I’d tell my freshman self: There are no shortcuts to get to maturity and independence.
What may surprise people about HBCUs: Studying at an HBCU isn’t an exclusively African-American experience. Peers in my program came from many countries and viewed the world through different prisms. For many of them creating architecture wasn’t strictly about building attractive buildings or seeking a career. They had come to this study of architecture as a way to effect change in their communities. Projects they created—hydroponic centers, water treatment plants, large-scale affordable housing solutions—were undertaken to address a known and experienced need.
Morgan Neal
Senior Project Engineer / Atlanta
Howard University
I chose Howard because: Not only does it produce many of the nation’s Black professionals in engineering and architecture, its legacy has paved the way for so many budding, curious, and ambitious people to develop into leaders who shape the world. Howard gave me the space to dream big and the tools to make those dreams a reality. I made my decision while visiting campus during homecoming, it felt like home and quickly became home. It was one of the best decisions of my life.
What I’d tell my freshman self: Be flexible. Plan C may turn out to be better than Plan A. I’d also remind my freshman self that growth is a journey, not a destination.
What may surprise you about HBCUs: HBCUs are extremely diverse and attract talented students and prestigious faculty from across the world. This type of melting pot of various cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives makes these institutions ripe for innovative thinking and collaboration.
Damon Sheppard
Regional Leader of S+T / Washington D.C.
Howard University
I chose Howard because: I fell in love with the culture and instantly felt at home when I visited. I also found that a school like Howard, with its rich history and prominent role in the community, has a unique ability to inspire its students to pursue excellence in the classroom and make an impact in the community. At an HBCU you can just be a student and focus on your craft. You don’t have the added pressure of constantly being conscious of being one of the few black students in the learning environment.
What I’d tell my freshman self: Architecture is a profession that comes in different shades. The image of the star designer that many of us have as a student is just a narrow slice of what we do. The reality is that each architectural career is unique. There’s no script, and no one way to practice. Leverage your strengths and let them guide you as you navigate your career in architecture.
What may surprise people about HBCUs: They are diverse in a different way. You get exposed to students who represent countries from around the world—African nations, Asian regions, the Caribbean and South America. The reality is that—from an international standpoint—you may actually be exposed to more diversity on a global scale than you might otherwise experience at a typical state university.