William Bankston
Biography
Position:
I serve as the Prison Reentry Academic Program Coordinator. Being that I am the first person ever in this position, I have the privilege of being involved in innovating certain aspects within this new role. In addition to the normal duties of coordinating and assisting in the planning and management of the program, my hands-on involvement at the grassroots level gives me the ability to actively shape and refine various elements of this position to truly make a meaningful impact.
Experience:
As an Army brat born in Cleveland, Ohio, I spent my formative years in Germany. I returned to the United States at the beginning of my 12th grade year. After graduation, I suffered my first brush with the law. Amidst a turbulent period with the criminal justice system from 1994 to 2002, I still managed to pursue higher learning.
Transitioning into administrative roles, I served as an Administrative Assistant for the Black Trades Council in 2004 and later became a Union Organizer for the AFL-CIO labor union (Cleveland, Oh.) the same year. After being laid off by the union, finding meaningful employment opportunities was tough for anyone, but even tougher for a two-time felon, irrespective of my degree. My passion for literary arts led me into freelance writing, eventually contributing to the African American National Biography project from 2007 to 2008.
I then diversified my skill set by becoming a barber in 2012. I successfully managed a barbershop for almost a decade before obtaining my barber instructor's license in 2021. I then served as Director of Education at Beyond Expectations Barber College from 2021 to 2023. During my tenure as the director of education, I facilitated an 81% graduation rate, an 88% licensing rate, and ensured 100% job placement for students across both Akron and Youngstown locations. I also invested in co-owning one of the Legends Barbershop franchises in Akron, Ohio. Continuing my professional development, I also obtained a CDCA certification from 黄色直播 in 2024. Prior to joining 黄色直播鈥檚 Outreach and Engagement team, I worked as a full-time substitute teacher for the Kent City School District.
Favorite place on campus:
Student Wellness and Recreation Center
Best advice for students:
Don鈥檛 be afraid to participate and have fun exploring yourself
Education
Barber License, Lake Erie Barber College
Barber Instructor License, Beyond Expectations Barber College