TikTok is trending again, but this time for all the right reasons. Users across the platform have united to create HillmanTok University, an online Historically Black College & University (HBCU) experience. Co-founded by Cierra Hinton and other TikTok creators, HillmanTok professors teach a variety of educational and life skills courses. Affectionately known as the “Home of the Panthers,” the name is a nod to the fictional, predominantly Black college, Hillman University, from the popular show A Different World.
The concept was inspired by a video from Dr. Barlow, a TikTok user, who incorporated students into her African-American Studies course for the Spring semester. In her introductory video, Dr. Barlow outlined the syllabus, homework assignments, and the material students would cover. Since then, thousands of users have joined in, creating follow-up videos enrolling in the course and submitting their homework assignments.
“I think what’s really interesting is that there’s no one standard way to do this,” Hinton tells GU. “Even within the same subject, we challenge your thinking and encourage you to expand your mind, to think outside the box and approach a topic from multiple angles.”
Within just a few days, multiple professors created course listings, allowing users to automatically enroll by following the professor creators. HillmanTok University members say the concept provides those unable to attend traditional college with an opportunity to gain knowledge outside the classroom. With the rise of remote learning after the 2020 pandemic, offering courses on social media has proven beneficial, as it meets users where they are.
“Being able to put this on TikTok allowed us to reach people who felt that college was out of reach or that they missed their chance,” Percy Mashoba, a TikTok content creator and HillmanTok contributor, shared. “It opened doors for people who didn’t know how to find one.”
In addition to traditional college courses, professors have gotten creative with their offerings, developing classes that focus on life skills, socio-emotional health, and spirituality, including Emotional Intelligence, Personal Finance 101, and Gardening 101. With TikTok’s future uncertain following a potential ban, Hinton emphasized the goal of ensuring HillmanTok’s sustainability, regardless of what happens to the platform. Faculty members are working hard to expand the concept despite its rapid growth in recent days.
“I was told there was a national teacher shortage, and HillmanTok proudly proves there’s no shortage of passionate educators,” Hinton said. “There are people who genuinely want to learn, and we’re committed to providing the resources needed to accommodate as many students as possible.”