Skip to main content

Video: 5 reasons why you should attend an HBCU

Chantell Huell, a mass communications major from Warsaw, just completed her second year at Winston-Salem State University.

Huell says she’d encourage anyone to go to an HBCU (Historically Black College or University).  She recently broke down the top five reasons you should attend an HBCU like WSSU. 

1. Family-oriented Environment

Huell says WSSU is like a second home for her now.

“Being at an HBCU is just like being at a cookout or a family reunion,” she says. “It just feels really refreshing, really warm.”

She added that HBCUs are very diverse.

“People think it’s just for black people, but it’s very culturally diverse,” Huell says. “There are many different ethnicities and backgrounds all coming together, and you can find your place there.”

2. The History

Huell says the history at HBCUs run deep.

“This is something that they can’t take from you," she says. "Your education can’t be taken from you. It’s great to get your education.”

 3. Pride

 Huell says: “It’s so great to see how people are taking pride in their school and pride in who they are. The pride at an HBCU is so far wide.”

4. The Culture

 The culture at an HBCU is like no other, Huell says.

“We have so many things to offer. Not just the knowledge we get in class but you probably learn more street smarts, street knowledge by being at an HBCU than anything. That and book smart go hand-in-hand. There’s so much you can learn just by being there.

 Among the areas she mentions at WSSU:

  • Homecoming
  • The Red Sea of Sound
  • Fried Chicken Wednesdays
  • Greek life

5. You Learn More About Yourself

Going to a higher institution is one thing, but going to an HBCU is a whole other thing, she says.

“I grow every single year I’m at WSSU. I learn more about myself that I would have at a PWI. I just take so much from my experience that you just grow from it," she says. 

More News

WSSU to host hip-hop legend Pete Rock for Black History Month event

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will host legendary hip-hop artist and producer Pete Rock as the featured guest speaker for its annual Black History Month celebration. The event, titled “The Miseducation of…”, will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, in Dillard Auditorium on the WSSU campus.

Read Moreabout WSSU to host hip-hop legend Pete Rock for Black History Month event

WSSU researchers use mobile app technology to improve healthcare efficiency and worker safety

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Muztaba Fuad, professor and interim chair of computer science at Winston-Salem State University, are pioneering the use of mobile apps to make healthcare work more efficient. WSSU students are helping with the research by tracking their own movements and postures.

Read Moreabout WSSU researchers use mobile app technology to improve healthcare efficiency and worker safety

Student, faculty member honored with King ‘Building the Dream’ Award

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., two members of the Ramily were recognized during a joint program of Winston-Salem State University and Wake Forest University on the official federal holiday honoring the civil rights icon. Student Nia James and faculty member Maestra D’Walla Simmons-Burke were the 2025 honorees.

 

Read Moreabout Student, faculty member honored with King ‘Building the Dream’ Award