Donald Perkins, M.Ed.

dperki12@tnstate.edu                             
https://tnstate.campus.eab.com/pal/ZvvYIKPIjB

Donald Perkins, M.A.

Favorite Quote: "You have not lived a perfect day until you’ve done something for somebody who cannot repay you." - Coach John Wooden

Favorite Quote #2: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." - Stephen Covey

Job Title: First-Generation Specialist

Coaching Mindset: To listen carefully to others before giving my advice. Listening is more important than speaking, because many lives can change just by their state of listening, before responding.

Higher Education Background:

  • B.A. - English with a Concentration in Newsmedia: Elizabeth City State University
  • M.Ed. - Education: Cambridge College
  • Army Veteran

Interests and Hobbies:

  • Writing
  • Traveling
  • Riding my bike
  • Attending sporting events

Top Life Defining Moments in Higher Education: One of my top defining moments in higher education has been listening to students and hearing their stories. I am always amazed by the hurdles of their current conditions and situations they are facing, even though they must still attend classes, and study for exams. I have found that they are the real superheroes, who juggle so much, while carrying loads of issues strapped to their backs.

When in College, I Experienced:

  • Playing college baseball 
  • Being a first-generation student
  • Balancing school and serving in the North Carolina Army National Guard
  • Being Sports Editor for the college newspaper 
  • Financial stress
  • My dad passing away