Viking Profile

Siloam Gray

Siloam Gray grew up in the Virginia Tidewater area. Several members of her large family attended NSU, a HBCU in that area. Yet, a visit to Elizabeth City State University’s Open House sparked her interest. Student hosts at that session, Vikings Assisting New Students, (VANS) provided such good descriptions of their experiences on campus she decided to break the family tradition and select another institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“The VANS students made me immediately feel like I belonged at ECSU. In short, I came to ECSU because it felt right and because it made sense. The VANS gave me an accurate preview of what to expect my freshman year, and the transition was not only easy, but fun.”

“During my sophomore year, I met a professor who has made the biggest impression on me, so far— Dr. Frank Gaskill, in the Business Administration department. He introduced himself to me. The first thing he said to me was ‘I care.’ It’s an easy thing to say, but hard to do.”

“When I needed help, he helped me. He helped me get the right tools to learn, get the right information. He pushed me to do my best.”

“ECSU is just the right size university for me - not just for the small class sizes, but for the opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities. Anyone can have the chance to develop their talents and leadership skills. I’ve really taken advantage of the clubs and organizations here and now I spend a good deal of my free time working with non-profits, giving back to the people who need help.”

Siloam says she has been particularly fond of one volunteer project-- working with students and teachers on the Trunk and Treat programs. This project provides a safe place for kids in the university operated pre-school, the Laboratory School, to participate in fun activities related to Halloween. They make sure the kids have a good selection of healthy snacks and treats.

Siloam is confident she is well prepared for life after graduation, December, 2014. She will graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration, with a focus on management.  She plans to work with the Georgia Department of Human Resources in 2015. Later, she would like to develop her own business, a cosmetics company that might perform so well it will one day yield franchises across the nation.

Viking Pride! Viking Pride! Viking Pride!

Favorite place on campus: The Ridley Student Center, because it’s where everyone-mostly students - comes to relax and just enjoy the wonderful campus life.

Professor who has influenced you the most: Dr. Frank Gaskill, a professor in the Walter R. Davis School of Business & Economics. He always encouraged me to stay focused, never give up, and become the best businesswoman I can be.

Advice for other students: Never give up! We all may get discouraged at some point or another, but stick it out. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.