Hillman College

Hillman College is a fictitious college referenced in two related television programs, The Cosby Show and A Different World. The college was frequently referenced in The Cosby Show, as this was the alma mater of main characters Heathcliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby and Clair Huxtable, played by Phylicia Rashad. A whole episode revolves around the topic of Hillman College, as Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, is considering college options other than her father (Cliff) and grandfather's alma mater. The college was set in the state of Virginia.
In the story line, Denise subsequently does go to Hillman College for two years before going to Africa. Also, The Cosby Show spin off A Different World, where Denise initially was the main character for the first season, took place at the fictional college. The visuals used to represent Hillman are those of Spelman College, located in Atlanta Georgia.
It is apt that Spelman, a historically black college and the first black women's college to receive a charter, is used to represent Hillman College, since Hillman was represented as a historic and prestigious black university in both television programs that reference it. Addtionally, Spelman College has received generous support from the Cosbys and both Bill Cosby and his wife Camille Cosby have received honorary degrees from the college. Also, two of Cosby's daughters attended Spelman College. This all explains the relationship between Spelman, Hillman, and the two television shows that Cosby was involved with throughout the 1980's and 1990's.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu