It was a brisk and chilly morning when I stepped foot onto the grounds of Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. The sun had just begun to crest the horizon, casting a golden glow of warmth over the campus. For a moment I stopped and closed my eyes, taking in the beauty and serenity of the place.
How different from my own college days. For me, learning was commonplace. Yet on this campus there was something special — a sparkle in the air that said much more than meets the eye.
I’d heard about Livingstone College from a colleague of mine who graduated from there some 20 years ago. I knew the college had quite a few prominent alumni – Marcus Garvey, President Andrew Johnson; senators, generals, instrumentalists, businessmen and women – but none of them more famous than Patsy T. Mink, the first woman and person of color elected to the United States House of Representatives.
There is something captivating about this small but mighty college located on 701 W Monroe Street. It began in 1879 as a school for African Americans, founded by missionary workers in conjunction with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. It has forged ahead despite immense adversity and legal obstacles to become a beacon of hope in Salisbury and beyond.
The campuses features a strong Historical Preservation Program which offers canons on African American history and cultural heritage, a School of Business Administration which enhances students' professional skills with concentrations in various fields such as Human Resource Leadership, or sustainable business strategies, an Academy for Teaching & Learning which ensures future educators are highly knowledgeable in best practices for teaching diverse student populations; and so much more.
Livingstone College doesn’t just concentrate on school academics but focuses on the overall well-being of its student body. They have an entire website devoted to showing the importance of health and wellness - from physical exercise to mental health awareness - that helps studenst not only stay healthy but also in their ability to be successful in their academic journey.
The college is dedicated to providing students with opportunities -from vocational training to tourism - and so provides several programs such as internships and apprenticeships, scholarship funding, paid research positions, flexible work hours and clubs/organizations to participate in on campus. Plus they offer any additional help students may need that could enhance their chances for success beyond graduation: such as access to job placement services and mental health services.
Livingstone College has been such an integral part of higher education for African American since 1879 and continues today to provide an invaluable service in Salisbuy and around the world. The faculty believes in integrating creativity into the traditional academic environment while promoting lifelong learning at the same time. If you are thinking about attending college, I would urge you to consider Livingstone College – it might just make all the difference! Take time to explore your options here – I guarantee it will be time very well spent!