 "Photo: Chris Hess - Echo staff photographer")
From Brooklyn to North Carolina, from Durham Tech to Butner Prison, Gloria Drew has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with her students.
"She's just cool. I was on crutches and she was always helping me," said Ashley Griffin, mass communication senior.
"She's from Brooklyn and she wears her pride like a badge."
Drew, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. moved to N.C. as a teenager.
According to Drew the move to the South was a culture shock.
"I cried everyday for months when I moved down here," she said.
"My father, a graduate of N.C. Central Class of 1933, wanted me to go to school here."
Drew graduated from NCCU in 1963 majoring in English and Spanish.
"I wanted to be an interpreter," said Drew.
But her first job out of college was in Hendersonville with the Management Development Corporation where she help unemployed individuals seeking vocational training.
She then took on a position with with Durham Technical Community College where she served as Program Director of Continuing Education.
While at the community college she earnned her master's degree in sociology at NCCU.
According to Drew her interest in sociology was sparked by the 1964 stabbing of Kitty Genovese in New York, a case that led to research into the phenomena of "bystander apathy."
Soon Drew found herself teaching at the N.C. Butner Federal Correctional Complex.
"It was quite an interesting experience working in the prison," said Drew.
"I had to wear a body alarm in case anything happened."
Drew said she taught some not so typical students. "There was a priest in there convicted of murder. He could repeat verbatim the entire reading."
There were also arsonists, thieves, robbers and other criminals that attended her classes.
Who better to handle such a group of students, than someone who specializes in the study of societies and group behavior.
The Butner Federal Correctional Prison was not without its dicey moments.
Drew explained that after one prisoner became hostile towards her, another prisoner told her, "Ms. Drew if anybody bothers you again, you let me know and I'll take care of it."
Drew has taught at NCCU as an adjunct professor for over 25 years.
Mass communication sophomore Crystal Cotton who took Drew for an introduction to sociology course recalls Drew's supportive approach to teaching.
"She makes sure that everyone understands the concepts of sociology and how it affects us indivually and on a more global scale," said Cotton.
"I always try to treat people how they want to be treated," said Drew.
"It is important to keep in mind that we are products of the socialization process and life experiences."
But Drew doesn't just teach her students, she also encourages them to enjoy their time in college.
"These are going to be the best years of your life," she said.
"I always try to bring a lot of humor to class, and I explain to students the importance of embracing the college life."
If we really are the product of our life experiences and socialization, Gloria Drew is certainly an interesting product.
Not only is she a professor at N.C. Central, but she was a student, so was her father, daughter and granddaughter.
"I'm kind of overwhelmed by this. It makes me want to work even harder. This is truly an honor," said Drew about being selected for the Best Teachers Special.
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