Rashawn Harvey has dedicated his adult life to developing young men and women as assistant director of TRIO Student Support Services at UNK by day and head football coach at Kearney Catholic High School by night.
A Stuart, Florida, native, Harvey came to Kearney to play football at UNK in the 1990s. After earning a bachelor’s degree in middle grades natural and social science education in 1998, he worked as a teacher at Kearney Catholic and underwriter and benefits specialist at Principal Financial Group before accepting a position with UNK’s TRIO Student Support Services in 2006.
As an assistant director, he leads the federally funded program that helped him attain his degree.
“As a TRIO student, the program helped me understand the process of earning a college degree,” he said. “The staff assisted me with navigating the higher academic system, which can be challenging for first-generation college students.”
Harvey went on to earn a master’s degree in learning design and technology from UNK in 2016.
He continues to make an impact on the football field, too.
“I love the opportunity to mentor young men and give back to a sport that allowed me to get out of my environment in Stuart, Florida. Football was the vehicle to lead me in the direction of earning a college degree,” he said.
Harvey has coached the Stars for 21 years, serving as head coach since 2016. They face Norfolk Catholic in a Class C2 state semifinal game on Friday night.
Why did you choose this career path?
The following educators during my middle and high school experiences led me into education: my cousin, Thelma Washington, and high school football coach, Ed Metallo.
Describe your role as assistant director of TRIO Student Support Services:
As the assistant director of TRIO-SSS, I oversee day-to-day operations of the program; supervise three employees; provide mentoring, secondary advising and life coaching for 70 TRIO participants; and help TRIO participants navigate the higher academic system to earn a college degree. I also teach a class to TRIO participants.
How do you balance two jobs?
Balance equals not sleeping! I arrive at the TRIO office early each day during the football season and take care of business items in the evenings when needed.
What advice do you have for first-generation college students?
It’s OK to ask for help. Everyone needs help or assistance at some point in life. Two things will get you in trouble throughout your college journey, and they are pride and ego. Don’t let pride and ego disrupt your journey to earning your college degree.
Share something about yourself that people on campus may not know:
When I arrived early for football camp back in 1992, my family stayed in town for two days. When they were ready to leave, we were talking with several football coaches and my dad looked at coach (Darrell) Morris and said, “If he doesn’t make it here, don’t send him home. Send him straight to the Army!”
After that statement, my family walked away and traveled back to Florida. To some, that may seem harsh, but later in life I realized they didn’t want me running back to Florida. They needed me to grow up, be responsible and earn a college degree.
