Of all of Nick Cannon’s titles, his latest may just be my favorite – university student. Nick announced via the above Instagram that he is enrolled at Howard University in Washington D.C. and is expected to graduate with the class of 2020. Nick never attended college, being hired by Nickelodeon right after high school. He didn’t mention if he is enrolled full or part time but a four year graduate plan sounds full-time. However, he was back at work yesterday and a source tells Gossip Cop that he “will work his classes around his professional obligations.” Nick is the host of America’s Got Talent – maybe after freshman English, he can correct the grammar in the show’s title?
Twitter was all a-flurry when the new broke because back in 2002, Nick starred in a movie called Drumline in which Nick played Devon Miles, a kid from New York who was recruited by a HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) to join their drumline. Howard University is a very well respected HBCU so the association was inevitable. Even costar Orlando Jones got in on the action.
Let the Drumline jokes ensue! Nick Cannon announced over the weekend that he has enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and plans to graduate with the class of 2020.
The America’s Got Talent host, 35, shared an Instagram photo of himself decked out in first-day-of-school attire as he stands next to a Howard University sign.
The comedian kicked off his Hollywood career working on Nickelodeon’s All That shortly after he graduated from Spring Valley, California’s Monte Vista High School in 1998 and therefore never attended college. He did not specify what he plans to study at HU or whether he’s a full-time or part-time student.
Nick’s reason for pursuing a college education is to be a, “well-rounded person,” and he chose this school because of, “legacy of Howard.” Phylicia Rashad, Taraji P. Henson, Chadwick Boseman and Sean Combs are among those who attended Howard. Oh yeah, and THE Toni Morrison. I was a returning student (translation: I partied myself out of school and went back when I finally got my act together). I worked two jobs to pay for it, I had no free time, technology had completely changed, I was constantly broke and exhausted and I would do it ten times over if I could. I am oddly excited for Nick and his new adventures. Despite his resources and connections, I do think he will have experiences that shape him further that he could not have had anywhere else. Plus, free health center services!
Nick seems really committed and has been posting inspirational quotes about education to his Instagram. I want to be there the first time Mariah pulls up to drop the kids off, I hope his dorm room is big enough to hold her entourage. As for the Drumline jokes, there isn’t any way to fight them so own it, Devon!
College Hall welcomes you to Howard @NickCannon & thanks for stopping by CHS ❤️ We have a room ready just for you 😊 pic.twitter.com/lO3vXTKHwA
— HU College Hall (@HUCollegeHall) August 20, 2016
Just remember @NickCannon "You're on time if you're 5 minutes earlier, You're late if you're on time!" #OneBandOneSound PS – Congrats
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) August 21, 2016
I applied to Howard because I saw Drumline as little girl and wanted to go to an hbcu like that and now @NickCannon is a student here
— Bon (@imStewartLittle) August 21, 2016
If Nick Cannon was in my freshman class I would spit Drumline quotes whenever I saw him. Can you even imagine lmao
— Sarabi (@notdaniii) August 21, 2016
Photo credit: WENN Photos, Twitter and Instagram
Please join the marching band, Nick. I’ll die.
When Mariah’s checks stop coming in…
Good for him!! It’s never too late to get an education .
He always seemed more down to earth then his ex
The Melania should take note- not a good idea to claim for years to have a “degree” from the “University of the Thingy” or whatever. Kudos to a celebrity for doing the actual work, and starting from ground zero.
Good for him! He’s not really a favorite of mine, but I support anyone and everyone going back for more education. I did love Drumline though.
Hecate! Thanks for sharing that bit about yourself, and how amazing it feels to go back and do it properly (i.e. Work hard and appreciate it!)
I’m glad for him, I think he’s going to sponge it up. He seems like a really good guy, right? Is there anything scandalous about him?
It is awesome for someone over 25 is going back to college. Also since he is a celebrity, this is better for him because no matter how much money you have always have an education. Good for you Nick Cannon. Good for you
This is Absolutely Delightful, and I’m not even a fan of his
Hopefully he *really* is there to discern, not distract (I’m looking at you, James Franco), so good on him (& on the potential to set a great example for his kids).
What a role model. I’m so pleased to see this post. I’ve always felt that he’s a good guy, especially because he seems to have kept it classy in his relationship with Mariah… good luck to him!
Good for him!
Which came first? The British show or the American show? It’s a Cowell vehicle, isn’t it? I wouldn’t know: never watched either.
I ask because the “got” construction is acceptable and common usage here in Britland. It’s not incorrect; just informal. We often say “has got” but Americans almost always say “has”. Perhaps they had to take the title to be part of the franchise?
I was a returning student as well. I love his comment about college making him well rounded. Many people seem to view college only as a means to a career; the truth is it makes you so much better if you put the work in. Congrats to Nick!
Kudos to Nick. He has stated how much he wants his kids to have the best education and be in the non entertainment field. I myself was a returning student. Took a couple of years off, got my crap together and got it done. I don’t think Nick will screw this up. He is in it to win it.
This is great news. I’m sure Nick was also influenced by his family to return to school. His aunt is a respected theologian–Reverend Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, the first African-American woman to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church.
The tweet from Orlando Jone is cute!
I absolutely love this and applaud his efforts. He will probably have the time of his life. Also I want that peachy-salmon scarf he’s wearing desperately.
that’s truly awesome
and what a great example for his kids too