Alcorn alumnus earns doctoral degree in education from Northern Illinois University
Alcorn alumnus earns doctoral degree in education from Northern Illinois University
The Alcorn family is proud of alumnus DeSean E. Coleman (Brown) Sr. ’97 ’99 for completing the requirements of a doctoral degree in adult and higher education at Northern Illinois University. His dissertation topic was “Overcoming the Odds: Perspectives of First Generation Male College Students on Academic Barriers Experienced in Community College”.
Dr. Coleman is a 1992 graduate of Port Gibson High School. He received an associate degree in elementary education from Hinds Community College in 1994 (Utica Campus) and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Alcorn State University in 1997. He continued his education at Alcorn State and completed a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1999.
Dr. Coleman serves as an adjunct professor in the Student Development Department and manager of the Upward Bound Program at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois. His short term goal is pursuing a deanship in the area of student affairs, and his long term goal is to become a college president.
Dr. Coleman is a member of a number of social organizations including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall F & A Mason, and the Vicksburg Consistory #110, 32°, educational honor societies such as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Pi Lambda Theta International Educational Honor Society, and professional associations including Mid America Opportunity for Professional Personal, American Counseling Association, Illinois Association of College Administrators, and is a former member of Mississippi Counseling Association.
Dr. Coleman shared words of wisdom with students who are interested in pursuing an education, “You must always apply yourselves academically and never allow your past or current circumstances dictate your final destination.” He added, “In the words of Dr. Malvin A. Williams Sr., past interim president and former vice president for Academic Affairs at Alcorn State, if you are walking along a fence row and discover a turtle on a fence post, please believe that he did not get there by himself. In other words, never forget the individuals that helped you along the way.”
Dr. Coleman and his wife Charlotte are parents to DeSean Jr. and Madison Coleman.
