Name: HBCU AiCon
Start: 2026-03-10T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-11T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Huston-Tillotson University

My name is Elishia Payne, a graduating senior majoring in psychology and minoring in kinesiology and forensic psychology from San Antonio, Tx. Throughout my 4 years at HT, I have learned a lot personally. Some of the things I learned is to give myself grace, put myself in intentional positions to grow, set boundaries in every aspect, do something new even if it makes me scared, always take time to celebrate my accomplishments, and much more.

One of the more vital things I have learned is to give myself grace. I learned throughout my life that I should allow myself the same grace I extend to the world and other people because I deserve it just as much as I give it. I acquired the inner skill of not tearing myself down over things I do rather take the time to learn from it as there are many lessons within life.

Another thing that I have been able to learn is to put myself in intentional positions to grow individually, professionally, academically, and socially. Throughout my venture here at HT, I have been heavily involved in student life, Dubois Honors Program, CAB, Royal Court, The Collegiate 100, Religious Life, Residence Life, Public Leadership, Greek Life, Psi Chi Honors Society for Psychology, RAM-PAC, and many more. Each organization I joined contribute to my growth individually whether it was professionally, academically, or socially. I have been able to display my character, capabilities, and skills throughout all of these organizations through giving speeches, attending conferences, being on the executive boards, and recruiting.

Particularly around my sophomore year, I grew the conscious thinking of doing things, even if they scared me. This came from when I started interacted with VP Dillon, or as I call him VP Do It All Dillon. I view him as a big brother, a mentor, and much more. When I first started getting active in campus life, I was not always sure about the organizations I was joining, positions I was accepting and more. Upon taking it to VP Dillon he told me “do it scared you may not know what is to come from something unless you try.” Those words stuck with me since he spoke them into me. I learned it is okay to try things in order to discover what I personally enjoy or fit in with.

It took me until my junior year to start celebrating my accomplishments. I learned this personally after taking time to reflect on everything I have done throughout my 4 years at HT. I have done so much to contribute not only myself, but campus life and the community as a whole. I helped charter Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. on campus for the first ever in the 150 years HT has existed, completely the Divine 9 for the first time ever. Along with that I was one of the first undergraduate members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc in Central Texas and have been a part of the explosive growth we have had since November 2023. I helped charter the Collegiate 100 Chapter on campus which was last attempted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only am I W.E.B. DuBois Honors scholar, I was not always one. Through strong faith, consistent dedication, and endless prayers i was blessed to have the financial responsibility of school released.

HT taught me that faith can carry you far beyond anything within the world. My relationship, faith, and following of God became much stronger throughout my time here at HT.

Ht is more than a university providing scholars with the opportunity to acquire degrees. HT is a place that puts you in position to grow in all ways of life. HT is a family constantly pouring into the next generation of leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, professionals, mentors, and more of our world. HT is the place to be. HT+You!

Hey y’all, I’m Sederia Barber

Hey yall, I'm Elishia Payne

Hey, I'm Yemisi Obalade.