Charlotte, N.C. / July 26, 2020 - Anika Cobb ’13 was recently hired as the director of marketing and communications at Allen University.
“What Allen University is accomplishing is remarkable, I’m just glad to be a part of it,” she said.
The former communication art major has an extensive resume in communications. Cobb is the former director of public relations at Morris College and communication coordinator of a South Carolina non-profit. She credits her success to the guidance she received at Johnson C. Smith University. “I definitely wouldn’t be in this position without the help of professors Gary Guffey, Valerie Black and Laurie Porter.” With their assistance during her time as an undergraduate, Cobb landed an internship at WBTV and became the student coordinator for The Real Urban Network, developed at JCSU to chronicle the gentrification of Charlotte.
Not only did JCSU provide Cobb the necessary tools for success, the HBCU gave her a pro-black environment she as longing for.
“I had never been in a predominantly black environment before and it was very intriguing to me.” Originally from nearby Columbia, South Carolina, Cobb was recruited to JCSU by graduate counselor Viticus Thomas who works in the admissions department. The impact the alumnus had on her was everlasting. “I will never forget, I was walking out of my high school, to my car and I had a voicemail, and it was fitting because he says go J-C, go J-C go with all this energy. It was in that moment that I knew JCSU was the place for me.”
In addition, she enjoyed the small family atmosphere she received and everlasting friendships with her line sisters of the Gamma Lambda Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
“We push each other and my friends are awesome. I’m grateful that I still have those relationships,” she emphasized.
In her new role, Cobb is hoping to impact others. “I am very intentional about the roles that I choose,” she said. “I don't look at my career as what’s the next job, but as what's the next mission?”
The proud alumna hopes current Smithites do the same. Her advice to them, “Remain thankful and grateful and the opportunities will continue to come.” She also encourages them to embrace their time on campus, “It’s like nothing you’ll ever experience."
