New Mexico State University is continuously growing in diversity and there are many organizations around the campus that are making an effort to work with diverse groups. The ‘Black Programs’ Organization on the NMSU campus is a huge part of the growth and development of African-American, Caribbean and African descent students as well as all members of the community.
The Program’s mission is to “increase the awareness and appreciation of Black history through educational, cultural, social and academic programs.” They hope to build a supportive network among students to help in their studies and degree plans. It is evident that the program is dedicated to making sure their members and peers complete their work at NMSU and go on to succeed in their futures.
Black Programs encourages students from all backgrounds to attend their events around campus and in the community. They are very inclusive and stress the importance that ANYONE can take part in their activities. They make a conscious effort to make sure people know that their department is inclusive to everyone and focused on the development of all.
The goals of NMSU’s Black Programs is to help students to succeed in and out of the classroom so that their education and learnings can follow them into their futures. They realize that everyone is different, and work hard to emphasize these differences in a positive way. Working with the entire community is also a task that Black Programs does not shy away from because they recognize the potential. Everyone has a history that can be shared and learned from. This also means that new connections can be built to reach new horizons. It is their hope that the connections made during students time in the program will allow them to jump into life after college with confidence, leadership, commitment, and respect for tradition.
Black Programs makes sure that student’s ideas for their futures are made into a reality through the hands on benefits that the program provides. These features include: guidance, enrollment capabilities, career advice, computer labs, tutors, and scholarship information.
Director of Black Programs, Dr. Festus Addo-Yobo, has held his position as director at NMSU for 12 years. He chose to come to NMSU because he saw the multicultural need on campus. He was also ready for new challenges and culture in his life. Addo-Yobo started his program with the belief that one must understand themselves to further understand those around them. He still uses this principle to teach members about their own history as well the history of everyone around them.
“The essence of every society is history,” Addo-Yobo stated.
He continued to emphasize the importance of historical knowledge around the world. People around the world have different experiences and opinions, and this knowledge will essentially allow people to have a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Addo-Yobo loves his position as the director of Black Programs because of the graduation rates and job acceptances that he continually sees year after year. He is happy knowing that these students will be making a contribution to society and continually bettering themselves. He also likes the networking that he see’s students do with other organizations. This gives Addo-Yobo confidence that his members will have others to consult with and learn from. He hopes that students will find a sense of belonging after college. This will allow them to move forward, reach their goals, have a sense of worth and proceed to lift others up as they go through life.
Black Programs also sponsors many organizations around the university that aid in the development of black students. These organizations include: Black Student Association (BSA), gospel choir, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta. The BSA is the main organization sponsored under Black Programs. BSA is responsible for organizing various events throughout the year for the group. Anyone is able to become a member and all are welcome. Their most popular events scheduled annually include bowling, game night, and events throughout the entire month of February for Black History Month.
With the help of Black Programs, the diversity of NMSU is becoming stronger, and influencing other minorities to attend college at NMSU. “NMSU was selected as a 2012 inaugural recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.” With more diversity and overall acceptance in the United States, it can be expected for the Universities diversity levels to increase. It would be nice for NMSU to receive another award for their inclusion and diversity.