The renewed buzz surrounding the classic television series A Different World is bringing HBCU culture back into the spotlight. But historically Black colleges and universities offer students much more than the college experience often portrayed on screen.
Reginald “Cool Mill” Shareef, a filmmaker, technology executive, entrepreneur and education advocate, joined Houston Life to share how attending Tennessee State University helped shape his life and career.
Shareef describes the HBCU experience through what he calls the “5 C’s”: culture, camaraderie, campus life, cost and connections.
For him, the culture is something students experience as soon as they step onto campus. Each HBCU has its own traditions and personality, creating an environment that can make students feel at home. Shareef said that sense of community was especially meaningful during his time at Tennessee State.
Some of his closest friendships began during his college years, including a friendship with Larissa, who accompanied him on his appearance of Houston Life. Decades later, those relationships remain an important part of his life.
Shareef said the connections formed at HBCUs can extend well beyond graduation. Alumni networks can lead to career opportunities, professional relationships and a support system that reaches across cities and industries.
He also emphasized the importance of finding an environment where students feel appreciated and comfortable being themselves. That sense of belonging can allow students to focus on their education while building relationships that last a lifetime.
Beyond his own college experience, Shareef is focused on encouraging young people to embrace education. He is the founder of the National Youth and Education Initiative, It’s C.O.O.L. to Be S.M.A.R.T., and the EDGE Foundation.
The inspiration for his work dates back to his childhood. Shareef recalled being teased after doing well on a school test, an experience that stayed with him. He said it helped motivate his mission to challenge the idea that being smart is somehow uncool.
Through his initiatives, Shareef works to encourage students from kindergarten through college, as well as people in the corporate world, to recognize the value of education and intellectual curiosity.
For families considering an HBCU, Shareef encouraged students to visit campuses and experience them firsthand. Before choosing Tennessee State, he visited about 30 colleges. But when he stepped onto the Nashville campus, he said he immediately felt the culture and knew it was the right place for him.
His message is that choosing a college is about more than academics. It is also about finding a community that supports students, encourages them to grow and continues to show up for them long after graduation.