University President Hails DoD Observance as Transformative Experience: Insights and Reflections

The two-day National African American History Month observance organized by the Defense Department at Huston-Tillotson University was quite an experience for both students and faculty. Larry Earvin, the university president, saw it as a chance to spotlight issues faced by African Americans in Texas, particularly in higher education.

Huston-Tillotson, a historically black university with a rich 130-year history, hosted this event partly because Texas has a sizable African American population that hasn’t been included in similar programs before. Earvin mentioned the importance of addressing the need for more African American students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). “We need to bring attention to how we can better support these students,” he said.

Through this observance, schools could learn from one another. For instance, Earvin’s faculty could hear about successful programs from other institutions. His dean was excited to take back new ideas to enhance the learning experience for their students. Sharing knowledge is a key theme of this event. It highlights the fact that collaboration can lead to stronger educational outcomes.

Many students remained unaware of job opportunities within the Defense Department. Earvin views this observance as a way to inform them about civilian careers at the DoD. Despite some criticism surrounding the Department’s activities, he emphasizes the importance of these opportunities for students. “This is about exposing them to potential careers,” he noted.

The second day was particularly engaging, with middle school, high school, and college students exploring expositions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. They learned about ROTC programs, service academy appointments, and internships with the DoD. These interactions are crucial in encouraging students to pursue careers in public service.

Experts agree on the importance of early exposure to career opportunities. According to a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 25% of students from underrepresented backgrounds pursue STEM degrees. Programs like this can change that trajectory by inspiring young students to explore these fields. It builds a pipeline of skilled workers for the future.

Huston-Tillotson’s initiative represents a vital step in fostering awareness and building connections that can lead to meaningful career pathways for students. By creating these opportunities, the university is not just addressing immediate educational needs but also shaping the future workforce.

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