By Elaina Smith
Office of the Secretary
Following the Civil war, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) began to emerge as a pathway to education for Black Americans. Although the first was established in 1837, HBCU’s were not officially designated by the U.S. Department of education until 1965.
Today, these colleges and universities are marked by their strong academic programs, affordability, & their unique sense of community. They are dedicated to supporting their students and creating a positive and nurturing educational environment.
Graduates of HBCU’s carry that sense of community with them, and they share it as they move through the world beyond graduation.
At DOA, Kristy Daughtry is one of those HBCU graduates that carries the call to foster community and extend support to those who need it. In 24 years of service in state government , 18 of those with DOA , Kristy has proven to be an exceptionally hard worker , extremely knowledgeable about her fields, and above all, a helper by nature.
“ I enjoy helping people ,” she says “if I can put a smile on someone’s face or just help someone I’ll do it.”
Initially , Kristy had thought that she wanted to follow her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher, and although her mother is an HBCU alum herself, Kristy was considering UNC-Chapel Hill for her education.
While playing basketball for her high school team the women’s basketball coach for North Carolina Central University came to see her play. Impressed by what she saw, Kristy earned a collegiate scholarship. She played basketball for four years , balancing her commitment to athletics and academics.
During her junior year at NCCU, Kristy made the switch to a political science track and ultimately graduated with a bachelors degree in political science. She returned to NCCU the fall after she graduated to pursue a master degree in public administration. She returned again a few years later for a master’s degree in education technology, and once more for master’s degree in information sciences, strategic business and analytics.
Being a student-athlete in undergrad, switching majors halfway through, and going on to complete three graduate degrees programs is no easy feat. But when Kristy talks about it, she makes it sounds easy.
“I love school ,” she laughs “it took a lot of discipline. It takes a lot of dedication, and grind, and it prepares you for life.”
Of course, she also had to support. “Our coach made us go to Study Hall. I have teachers from 20 years ago, they still remember me. At an HBCU, you have the support of those that look like you. You’re not alone.”
In her role as Education Consultant, Kristy mirrors the support she received when she as in school. She has remained a team player, serving in the role of interim director for the Division of Non-Public Education while it was vacant during August 2022 through February 2023. If you happen to know Kristy, you know that she does it all with a joyful spirit and a few well-time jokes. We are always proud of and impressed by her demeanor, her kindness, & her talent.
North Carolina is home to 11 HBCU’s, and and the oldest one in the south, is Shaw University. These schools play a critical role in American culture and economics . Despite only representing 3% of colleges and universities, HBCU’s produce 40% of all black engineers, 50% of all black teachers, and 70% of all black doctors and dentists.
HBCU Week was September 15-19.
