Benedict College is now the first HBCU to launch an Esports degree track and gaming room.
Last week, Benedict College cut the ribbon on their new Esports gaming room furthering their commitment to bring Esports to the University. This new addition comes after the University partnered with Blaze Fire Games in 2020 to start an Esports club and hosted its first Madden and NCAA College Football tournaments. They’ve continued this partnership to offer over 250 Esports Micro-Credentialing certifications that Benedict students can attain.
Benedict College Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Janeen Witty, said that their Esports program is intended to prepare students to participate in the industry. “In keeping with Benedict’s strategic plan to offer transformational learning experiences, our innovative Esports Administration curriculum is designed to prepare students to create new applications and to engage in all facets of the industry” said Witty.
Dr. Paula Shelby, Benedict’s head of Health and Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) says their Esports curriculum opens up more opportunities for African Americans in the Esports industry and that they plan on using the program as a recruitment tool for the University.
Kylah Montgomery, a student enrolled in the program told WACH Fox 57 that they are on a misssion to “make a change.” “We’re here to put black faces in all colors of the scale into esports,” said Montgomery.
