Harry Stinson III

Introduction

  • Speaker: Harry Stinson III

    • Interim Vice President (next month) and regular Vice President of Institutional Advancement

    • Executive Director of the Lincoln University Foundation

    • Director of Athletics at Lincoln University (the first degree-granting HBCU)

Background on Lincoln University

  • Founded in 1854, ten years before emancipation

  • Lincoln University:

    • First institution to grant degrees, distinguishing it from others like Chaney University that were nearby

    • Notable for producing many HBCU founders and international presidents

    • Lincoln graduates have started universities including:

    • University of Ghana

    • University of Liberia

  • Alumni highlights:

    • Numerous ambassadors (first president of Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria)

    • Not recognized by name during sporting events, frequently confused with other institutions (e.g., Langston University and Liberty University)

Athletic Background and Personal History

  • Playing background:

    • Ran track and played football at Florida State University (30 pounds ago)

    • Part of the 1999 National Championship team (victory over Virginia Tech)

    • Served as a scout team quarterback who mimicked players like Michael Vick

    • Achieved speed and agility with a unique left-handed throwing ability

    • Hurdler and sprinter with participation in Olympic trials (2000)

Education

  • Master's degrees:

    • Sport Administration, MBA from Georgia State University

    • Focus on applying education and sports experience to a career in athletics administration

Professional Experience

  • Over 25 years in athletics at various levels (Division I and Division II)

  • Specific roles held:

    • Commissioner of a Division II conference

    • Roles in communications, marketing, championships, and compliance

    • Coaching experience and teaching assignments at three institutions: Kentucky State, Central State, and Lincoln University

  • Leadership contributions at Lincoln University:

    • Aiming to grow programs and pursue an entrepreneurial spirit

Rebranding Lincoln University

  • Athletic identity re-establishment at Lincoln:

    • Focused on branding upon arrival in 2017

    • Notable changes:

    • Changed university colors and logos to create a unifying identity

    • Transitioned to Under Armour as the new apparel provider, using Auburn as a model

    • Changes made to uniforms:

    • From 3 primary colors to navy, white, and orange only

    • Created nine different uniform combinations for recruitment and branding purposes

  • Overhaul of football's structural identity:

    • Lincoln's football program's struggles:

    • No football team from 1960 to 2010

    • Experienced high turnover in leadership

    • Implemented strategic recruitment:

    • Shifted focus from junior college recruits to building freshman talent for long-term program stability

    • Emphasized consistency and development of players

Athletic Department Size and Comparison

  • Differences between D2 and other HBCUs:

    • HBCUs vary widely (some Division I, others Division II)

    • Lincoln's solidified identity with limited resources: 18 scholarships compared to 65 in Division I

    • Comparison to other Division II schools reveals a vast disparity in student numbers and funding

  • CIAA Conference:

    • Notable performances in basketball tournaments, economically impactful events

    • Opportunities for cultural engagement with alumni and regional events

    • Comparison of Lincoln to other HBCUs within conference, students range from 1,000 to approximately 7,000

Alumni Relations and Corporate Engagement

  • Building bridges with alumni and potential donors:

    • Direct outreach efforts with alumni when traveling for games (inviting them to attend)

    • Emphasizing personal stories to foster connection with Lincoln University

    • Importance of listening to alumni narratives to inform fundraising strategies and engagement

    • Strategies to enhance alumni involvement and storytelling via social media.

Long-term Vision

  • Goal for Lincoln’s athletic programs to gain national recognition:

    • Aiming for consistency in winning championships and NCAA tournament appearances

    • Successful initiatives by various athletic programs (i.e., basketball, track and field, and softball) enhancing Lincoln's prestige

  • Vision encompasses broader university goals beyond athletics,

  • Engagement through professional development ensures sustainability and empowers future leaders

Cultural Significance of Band and Athletics

  • The prominence of the band at HBCU games:

    • Band often regarded as a key feature, performing at halftime and generating significant crowd engagement

    • Consideration for coordinating performances within game scripts to maintain game flow

  • Historical impact and significance of the bands in the context of HBCUs and cultural legacy

Conclusion and Call for Questions

  • Reflection on leading Lincoln University and future roles:

    • Pride in institutional history and commitment to elevating its trajectory

    • Request for involvement, engagement, and potential internships at Lincoln University

Final Thoughts

  • Underline on the importance of shared leadership and storytelling in continuing the legacy of Lincoln University.