Drakkar Francois, a proud graduate of Alcorn State University (ASU), is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in May of 2021. In his four years at ASU, Francois was a part of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band (SOD), the Mass Communications Club, and a reporter and newscaster for ASU TV-13 (Alcorn’s Television Station) where his love for storytelling and Broadcast Journalism grew. From the skills obtained in the Mass Communications’ Department, in July 2021, he was hired as a Photojournalist, and five months later he earned a job as a Multi-Media Journalist (Reporter). Two years later he moved to a different news station, KADN News 15, in his hometown of Lafayette. While at News 15, Francois was recognized by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters as an award-winning journalist, for his storytelling and Best News Cast in Louisiana.
Currently, Francois is attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to obtain a Master’s degree. After attaining the degree, he plans to become an adjunct, teaching undergrad students Broadcast Journalism.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALCORN?
From its long-standing history, to having personal ties with peers and faculty and admiring the family-oriented atmosphere, choosing Alcorn became a simple choice. As an HBCU with deep roots in excellence, being on my own at Alcorn allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU A PART OF WHILE IN COLLEGE?
While in undergrad I was in Alcorn State University’s (SOD) Marching Band where I played the euphonium. Also, I was a part of the Mass Communications Club and a writer for The Campus Chronicle (Alcorn’s online newspaper).
HOW HAS ALCORN HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Being a part of the Mass Communications Club, writing for The Campus Chronicle, reporting for ASU TV-13, and having great communications’ professors, I’ve learned the foundations of reporting and storytelling, a skill I use every day in my career. Those foundational skills have led to me becoming an award-winning journalist two years in a row.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT ALCORN?
I enjoyed the sense of community Alcorn is known for and the lifelong friendships I made along the way. Also, being a member of SOD and learning more about the communications field were some of my favorite parts of college. Those experiences helped me discover my passion, which allowed me to have success in my career.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR FUTURE STUDENTS ON ‘THE YARD’?
For current and future Alcornites, make connections while on ‘The Yard’ and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Stepping outside of your shyness will show you that the sky is really the limit and there’s more people like you trying to figure out life as well.
