The People of CSU: Meet Angelo Hopson

A journey of resilience and impact

As a Student Success Coach at Central State University, Angelo Hopson dedicates his career to helping students overcome challenges — just as he did during his own academic journey. 

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Born in Long Beach, California, and raised in Slidell, Louisiana, Hopson grew up navigating the complexities of a school system that often underestimated him. Despite being artistically gifted, he was placed in intervention classes for students with learning disabilities, a situation that deeply affected his confidence. Yet, one teacher’s recognition of his potential changed everything, planting a seed of self-belief that would later drive his academic and professional success. 

Hopson’s path through higher education was anything but linear. As a student at Louisiana State University during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he faced academic probation and ultimately had to leave school. But instead of giving up, he used the experience as motivation. Ten years later, he enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College in California, treating it as his "academic boot camp." From there, he transferred to Clark Atlanta University, where he graduated with honors, boasting a 3.53 GPA, graduating magna cum laude, and earning over $200,000 in scholarships. 

“My journey shows students that delayed success is not failure,” Hopson says. “I keep my Louisiana Tech transcript laminated in my office, right next to my Clark Atlanta degree, to remind students that they can overcome any challenge.” 

This perspective has shaped Hopson’s approach to student success at CSU. Since joining in 2024, he has supported students on academic probation, helping a majority improve their academic standing in his first semester. Hopson emphasizes building trust and taking a holistic approach to advising, focusing not just on grades but on personal growth and accountability. 

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“I work to build relationships first,” he explains. “Students need to feel comfortable sharing their struggles so we can address the root causes. It’s not just about academics — it’s about life skills, confidence, and resilience.” 

Hopson’s dedication extends beyond the office. He has a history of community involvement, organizing events like job interview prep workshops and scholarship workshops for underserved youth. He also recently authored “Higher Learning Success: A Manual for the African American College Student,” a book aiming to provide guidance to a broader audience. 

Reflecting on his work, Hopson shares a favorite quote: “If everybody does a little, nobody has to do a lot.” Collaboration, he believes, is key to transforming the educational experience and creating opportunities for all students to thrive. 

For Hopson, working at Central State University — a historically Black university he once knew little about — is a full-circle moment. “I’m helping the same type of students I once was,” he says. “It’s a blessing to advocate for the next generation of global leaders.”