Welcome to the MDIB Yard Tiffanie Brown!
Reppin': Florida A&M University University, Meharry Medical College
Grad: 2008, 2022
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Occupation: Pediatric Dentist/ Digital Artist
Can you briefly walk us through your HBCU story? How it started, how you got there, and how it helped you get to where you are today.
Going to predominantly black schools and being immersed in black history constantly-I just knew there would be no better place to attend college than an HBCU. I knew I wanted to go to one, but I didn’t know which one until I went to my cousin's graduation at Florida A&M University. Just stepping foot on the campus and hearing her stories-I just knew it would be home for me.
How did your HBCU shape you and impact your understanding of Black Culture?
FAMU gave me a sense of pride and helped me to step out of my comfort zone. It made me want to do great and be great because I had professors who looked like they could push me.
Before we go any further, let's have a brag session! Tell us about your HBCU(s). What are y'all known for? What are the most exciting things about the yard?
We are known for the Marching 100 and being on the highest of Seven Hills.
What do you say to people who believe HBCUs are not as good as Predominantly White Institutions (PWI)?
I say look at how far I’ve come—HBCUs have gotten me to where I need to be in life. It’s the people and the experiences…it’s more than just the fancy facilities and Ivy League names.
"FAMU GAVE ME A SENSE OF PRIDE AND HELPED ME TO STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE. IT MADE ME WANT TO DO GREAT AND BE GREAT!"
Tell us what you wish everyone in the world knew about the HBCU experience.
HBCUs are more than just “party” schools. They give people chances who would otherwise never make it if it were up to PWIs.
Tell us about your most memorable HBCU experiences. (Yes we in yo business, tell us about all of 'em!)
Too many to count..but probably going to my first Oil Spill. We got so lit off of the Omega Oil the next morning tried to go to the library and study and didn’t realize we were hungover.
Was it like Hillman on "A Different World"?
FAMU was absolutely like Hillman—maybe even better.
As any alumni will tell you, HBCUs are nurturing environments. What person(s) during your HBCU experience deserves some flowers and recognition?
Dr. James Adams—He pushed me and gave me the best advice!
How are you using what you learned from them in your everyday life?
I am using what I learned to help embrace my culture, network with individuals, communicate with my patients, and give advice to the next generation.
Thank you for showing us Your Yard and telling us Your Experience. Before you go, tell us, what do you imagine for the future of HBCUs?
I imagine better facilities and stronger STEM programs for HBCUs in the future.
