BE GOOD TO YOURSELF.
HYDRATE!
LET'S BE ON OUR WAY.
During my high school commencement, my principal described me as a Renaissance man. I was an honors graduate, peer counselor, drum major, baritone, track athlete, etc. The title stuck with me ever since.
I am a native of Gloucester and Middlesex counties, the oldest of Ben and Connie Beverley’s kids. I have a huge extended family, with my dad being the 13th of 21 kids. My mom’s family were pillars of the community; my grandmother was a hair dresser, and my grandfather, a barber an insurance salesman. Born and raised in the church. Played the piano. Occasionally ushered.
I fancy myself a country boy with city tendencies. Dad had his boys on lawn mowers at a young age, racking wood on the porch, fishing, cooking, tending to the garden, etc. Where I’m from, everybody knows everybody, we help each other, just good “salt of the Earth” types. I love the simple, quiet life, but my education and career took me to the city and suburbs. I love the diversity and modern conveniences you can find in the city!
I am extremely blessed to have my wife, Christine, and our two teenagers in my life. Christine and I are one of the surviving couples of the early Internet days. The boys have a digital acumen that rivals millennials, and I am not biased. We are a tech-savvy house by occupation and interest. It’s awesome to have all four of us working on various projects and helping each other.
I wanted to be a 3rd generation Virginia State University Trojan when I graduated from high school, so I spent a year high above the Appomattox. I was in their Honors College, marched in the band, and had a grand time. Unfortunately, some things happened out of my control, and I ended up transferring.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and minored in Management from Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, VA. My initial focus was in Mass Communication, but I did not want to relocate to a small media market to cut my teeth in radio. Besides, during my time at ODU, I picked up various computer and IT skills and I ended up working in the IT field upon graduation. I spent a tremendous amount of time bouncing between the Black Student Alliance, WODU Radio, and even worked in the distance education program.
After a significant amount of time in IT, I decided to pursue additional degrees. I felt that my professional growth was slowing due to lack of a Master's degree... so I earned two. I hold a Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland, Global Campus...
...and a Master of Science in Information Systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Go Retrievers!). Oh, and I am also an adjunct professor at UMBC!
Before you ask, no I am not. There is a terminal degree in the works. I was accepted to the University of the Cumberlands Ph.D. in Business program and slated to start in the Fall. However, there are some other things afoot that may delay that matriculation.
I am a proud life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Over the last 24 years, it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve our communities, advocate for our young people, and enjoy the happy effects of a Brotherhood like none other.
I am a third-generation Virginia State University Trojan and associate member of the VSU Alumni Association. It goes back to the point of legacy-building and serving. Invest your money, time, and effort wherever you can.