Meet Dr. Sharron D. Credle

Career Professional | Author | Founder

Dr. Sharron Credle was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago by a single mother. Although her father was not present in the home, he lived near by and was an involved parent. She has 7 sisters (2 same mom and dad; 3 same mom; 3 same dad; 4 non-blood). Sharron is a first generation college student. Six (6) of the eight (8) siblings are college graduates with her being the first. Four (4) of them attended Virginia State University and the other two attended Grambling State University (HBCU).

Sharron, tell us why did you decide to attend a Historically Black College & University?

I graduated one year early from high school and was recruited to attend Virginia State University. Although the school was very far from Chicago, the recruiter explained the nurturing and small environment, predominately black environment (similar to where I grew up), and the small classroom environment, he convinced us that VSU was the perfect place to help facilitate my academic success. Those recruiting factors as well as my desire to want to “get-away” from home, helped me make my decision. I was not disappointed! It was where I was supposed to be!

What was your favorite or least favorite aspect of your HBCU experience?

The instant love by the students and staff was my favorite aspect of my experience. The relationships I established there have turned into family. To be exposed to smart, intelligent, gifted and talented people from all over the country was life changing and assisted in my growth exponentially. Honestly, there wasn’t anything I did not like about my experience at VSU.

Would you want your child to attend a HBCU? Why or Why Not?

Although I don’t have children, if I did, I would want my child to attend an HBCU so that they could solidify who they are inside and out. It would allow him or her to be their whole selves without having to take on the imposter syndrome as many must do in some PWI environments. They would see “Black Excellence” everywhere instead of in a small pocket and would not have to fight for their rights because HBCU’s are designed for us by us.

What does Black Excellence mean to you?

Black Excellence is truly a mindset acted upon with high levels of achievement and exceptionalism despite historical and systemic barriers that have made it more challenging for Black people to ascend and succeed.. It is knowing where we come from (our history); our gifts and talents; having self-love, self-confident; and self-esteem and expressing it no matter “who” says something to the contrary. It’s being our authentic selves and sharing our gifts with others in order to make our community better and proud. It’s embracing our culture, raw artistic expression and accepting our overall Black genius and realizing we/you are extraordinary and enough.

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Virginia State University, a public, comprehensive 1890 Land Grant institution and historically black college/university, is committed to the preparation of a diverse population of men and women through the advancement of academic programs and services that integrate instruction, research, extension, and outreach. The University endeavors to meet the educational needs of students, graduating lifelong learners who are well equipped to serve their communities as informed citizens, globally competitive leaders, and highly effective, ethical professionals.

Fayetteville State University dates back to 1867, when seven black men founded the Howard School for the purpose of educating black children. We are proud of being the second-oldest state supported institution in North Carolina.

A comprehensive regional institution with a diverse population of over 6,500 students and over 800 faculty and staff that offers over 60 degrees at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and the doctorate in educational leadership. Noted for excellence in teacher education, FSU has accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954.