Whether dribbling the ball Down Under, or developing programs right here in the Upstate, Curtis Harkness has proven himself to be a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.

Born in Greenville, Curtis is a 1979 graduate of J.L. Mann High School and 1984 graduate of Lander University. He earned his Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina in Higher Education in 1991.

Curtis played one season of basketball in Australia before returning home to the US. He felt his true calling was in community service and higher education. He continued his educational career first by returning to Lander University and then transferring in 1992 to USC Aiken. While there, Curtis met and married Xanthia Prophet. They have one son, Kendrick.

One of Curtis' most notable achievements was being a founding member and first president of the SC Professional Association for Access and Equity (SC-PAAE). SC-PAAE was established in 1995 and is a network of individuals who are current or former executive, managerial, and professional employees (including faculty) of higher education institutions and agencies in South Carolina. These individuals are committed to improving access and equity in higher education.

In 1996, Curtis began working at Greenville Technical College and in 2006 he was selected as the Vice President of Administration and Diversity. Curtis feels right at home on campus: as a child it's where he learned to play basketball and drive a stick shift!

In addition to his commitment to the community and higher education, Curtis has many hobbies. He was a mobile disc jockey while in college, and now loves to fish, play basketball, write, enjoy & create music, and his newest hobby – traveling in his RV.

For his proven dedication to help improve and expand our educational opportunities, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Curtis Harkness as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.