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Darius Watkins

  • Hometown

    Memphis, TN ()

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  • Quick Intro

    Darius Watkins is a dedicated and experienced school counselor approaching 10 years of service. He has worked in diverse educational environments, including schools in Oxford and the vibrant heart of Memphis, where he has effectively addressed the unique challenges and strengths of each student community. His passion for youth development extends beyond the school walls. Recognizing the critical role of extracurricular activities in building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, he founded a nonprofit organization (Six Twelve Sports) aimed at ensuring equitable access to youth sports. Through this nonprofit, he has created opportunities for underprivileged children, breaking down financial and logistical barriers so all Memphis metropolitan youth can benefit from participation. His academic journey began at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a graduate degree in Counselor Education. With Ole Miss as an educational foundation and altruistically minded influences has made him an advocate for student success and well-being.
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Meet Darius Watkins

Darius Watkins earned a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in counselor education from the University of Mississippi. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Counseling at St. George's Independent School. Darius joined the SOE Board of Advisors in the Fall of 2024.

Learn more about Darius

What led you to want to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors?

As a graduate from the School of Education, I have longed for the opportunity to give back to the school that made me a Professional School Counselor. I think about the experiences that I had that prepared me for life as a counselor, but also life in general, and I can't help but want to advocate for the School of Education. Being able to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors gives me an opportunity to serve with an amazing group of leaders who also want to play a role in giving back to the School of Education.

Why did you choose to attend UM and the School of Education?

I chose to attend the University of Mississippi because, as the first one in my immediate family to attend college, I wanted to go to an in state university that had the biggest geographical footprint as well as a college that would best prepare me for the future as a leader. I chose to go to the School of Education for graduate school in Counselor Education because it had the most attractive counseling program through it's cohort model. I also believed that having the opportunity to intern at a diverse school like Oxford Middle would be beneficial to me.

Tell us about your favorite professor(s) at the School of Education? How did they make a positive impact on your professional and personal pursuits?

My favorite professor at the School of Education was Dr. Amanda Winburn. She made a positive impact because she taught me what it truly meant to be an advocate for students as well as being an advocate for my boundaries as a school counselor. It was also extremely helpful when we would watch recorded videos of my sessions with kids and creating space for feedback, not only from Dr. Winburn, but also feedback from all of my peers.

Tell us about your proudest moment in education.

My proudest moment in education was when I was able to graduate from the School of Education with 30+ family members in attendance.

Do you have any advice for our current students?

If you are preparing for a career as an educator, be aware that at times it can be a thankless profession. Being an educator is similar to planting seeds and potentially leaving the garden years before they sprout, but that doesn't mean that you didn't play a role in the growth of the seed. Often times, seeing or hearing about the seed sewing supersedes the occasional thanklessness.