At East Tennessee State University, the basketball star Keith Jennings made a name for himself on and off the court, particularly with youth in the East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area. Jennings’ 1991 statistics read like he wrote the book. He was the all-time NCAA leader in three-point shooting (49.3%, 223-452), second all-time in NCAA assists (983), and fourth in steals with 334, to name just a few of his records. And Jennings’ awards are just as prolific. He garnered several All-American honors and was the inaugural recipient of the Edward Steitz Award for best three-point field-goal shooter in NCAA Division I. He won the 1991 Naismith Award presented to the top college player under six-feet tall. Jennings was also named Southern Conference Player of the Year and was the SC tournament MVP. He followed his stellar collegiate career with success in the NBA as a player with the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets. Enough said about Keith Jennings, the athlete; what about Keith Jennings, the man? The Virginia native is deeply involved in service to his community, with a special interest in drug abuse resistance programs. His schedule of speaking engagements in elementary and middle schools consistently presents the message about the importance of staying in school and off drugs. 10,000 D.A.R.E. posters bearing his image and carrying his message were given to school children in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. On and off the court, Keith Jennings showed – and continues to show – what it means to truly be a star.
