Ashford

Thomas, a Greensboro native and Howard University graduate, is the

executive producer and main character of the satirical comedy,

Howton University.

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Ashford Thomas, a Greensboro

native and Howard University graduate, is the executive producer

and main character of the satirical comedy, Howton University. “The

series was made with the purpose of illustrating the social

experiences of three roommates that attend Howton University, an

HBCU,” said Thomas.

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”> The first

episode, “Mission Difficult,” begins in a classroom when roommates

Jay (played by Ashford Thomas) and Taylor both attempt to set up

weekend dates with two attractive female students at the end of

class.

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Jay’s attempt is unsuccessful

due to his over-confident swagger and his under-developed

communication skills.  After lying about his encounter

with his “date,” Jay encourages Taylor to try his chances with

another attractive female in the classroom.  Taylor’s

innocent schoolboy pitch proves successful as he sets up a “study

time” with the girl for the weekend.   

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Jay and Taylor receive

terrible news when their nerdy roommate, Alex, tells them that

every dorm on campus has lost visitation privileges. 

Jay assures his “understudy” Taylor that he can work his way around

the situation and devises the elaborate blueprint for “Mission

Difficult.”

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>The gang of underclassmen

geeks refuse to let this potential once in a lifetime opportunity

bypass them.  Throughout the episode Jay, Taylor, and

Alex attempt to flawlessly execute a plan to secretively navigate

the dorms of the girls they encountered in class.  The

plan does not run as smoothly and efficiently as

hoped.  Some unexpected obstacles and challenges

present themselves as the boys must use sharp thinking and good

improvisational skills to elude a few close encounters.

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Overall, “Mission Difficult”

is a hilarious and thought-provoking episode.  Thomas

definitely provided viewers with a typical situation occurring on

HBCU campuses around the country.  It is obvious that

Thomas seeks to highlight the laughable events that take place

every day in the black college

environment. 

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>There were no glaring

weaknesses or significant needs for improvement in the

episode.  A few audio and visual concept corrections

in the episode could have made it a little sharper.

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>His charismatic personality

and a strong work ethic are two factors that will promote the

success that Thomas will see in his acting and producing

career. 

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Thomas has also created a

user friendly website (

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>

“http://www.howtonu.com/”>

“line-height: 115%;”>www.howtonu.com

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>) that allows viewers to

evaluate every element of the show.  An interesting

Student Union section gives users the ability to learn more about

the cast’s background.  The Mess Hall provides viewers

with some funny outtakes and mess-ups.  Thomas

provides his background information and ambitions as he tours

various HBCUs around the country in the Pre-Orientation

section.

“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Howton University logo tees

can be purchased using the Book Store tab.

• Kalyn Hoyle, Contributor