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At KIPP Texas Public Schools, we proudly celebrate HBCU Week, honoring the rich legacy and vital role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. HBCUs have long been pillars of academic excellence, cultural pride, and social justice.
HBCUs represent more than just a college option—they represent a legacy of possibility and empowerment. They have a long tradition of preparing their graduates to be community leaders, advocates for justice, and pioneers in their fields. Whether HBCUs have a long tradition of preparing their graduates to be community leaders, advocates for justice, and pioneers in their fields. Whether it’s through rigorous academic programs, leadership development, or involvement in social causes, HBCUs foster a commitment to excellence and service.
In honor of HBCU Week, we spoke with LaQoya Cooper, School Leader at KIPP Truth Academy, to learn about her journey at Dillard University, an HBCU in New Orleans, and how that experience has shaped her approach to education. Below, she shares her story and advice for students considering attending an HBCU.
Q: Can you share an experience from your time at Dillard University that shaped who you are today?
When I first went to Dillard University in the fall of 1997, I thought I wanted to be an engineer. I had an older cousin who I admired, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. But as I settled into college life, I found myself gravitating toward activities that involved working with young people. I coached a local basketball team, became a big sister with Girl Scouts, tutored at a local church and with the Upward Bound Program, and mentored a group of young ladies at a local high school.
One day, my college advisor called me in and asked me, “What are you running from?” I told her I wasn’t running from anything; I was just doing what I loved. She then asked why I was majoring in engineering instead of education. At the time, I thought I should aim for a career that would guarantee financial stability. She pushed me to think differently and said, “You’ll be happy in life doing what you love most because it won’t feel like work.”
After reflecting on that conversation, I changed my major to education. It was the best decision I ever made, and I’ve never looked back. That moment shaped who I am today, and it set me on the path I’m on now.
Q: How has your experience at an HBCU influenced your approach to education?
My experience at Dillard University really opened my eyes to the inequities in education, especially for people of color. I worked with local schools in New Orleans, tutoring and mentoring students, and I saw firsthand the challenges they faced. I felt their joy, their sadness, and their pain.
It was through those experiences that I realized the power of education in making real change. When people are equipped with knowledge, they can advocate for themselves, better their families, and improve their communities. Teachers are essential in this process—they’re God’s tools for bridging gaps and motivating students to strive for a better future.
That’s why I take my role as an educator so seriously. We’re responsible for shaping every profession, every mindset that exists. Educators play a critical role in developing the leaders of tomorrow, and I believe that deeply.
Q: What advice would you give to students considering attending an HBCU?
I’m incredibly happy that I chose to attend my HBCU. Coming from a small, rural town, I needed a place where the people in positions of power looked like me. I needed adults who could influence me and guide me in the absence of my family. At Dillard, I found professors who pushed me to do better and took the time to help me through challenging content. I found a community that celebrated my successes and rooted for me every step of the way.
Dillard University was a family away from home. They fed me when I was hungry, literally and figuratively, and pulled me by the shirt when I was off track. I’m proud to be a graduate of an HBCU because it gave me the foundation I needed to be successful.
For any student considering an HBCU, I say go for it. You’ll find a supportive environment filled with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Your wins will be their wins, and that’s an incredibly powerful feeling.
As we celebrate HBCU Week, we recognize the importance of continuing to build strong partnerships between KIPP Texas and HBCUs. Many of our KIPP Forward students are inspired by the examples set by BIG KIPPsters, such as Ms. Cooper, who are HBCU graduates, and we are committed to ensuring that KIPPsters see HBCUs as a pathway to success.
