Dakota Patton of Johnson & Wales University (Denver), a senior men’s basketball player, has been named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference’s Character & Community Male Athlete of the Week for the week beginning February 18.\
The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and serve their campus and community.
Throughout his academic career at Johnson & Wales, Dakota has made every effort to support each student organization on campus. He recognized early on that when you are part of a small campus community each campus group is looking for any help to get their name and mission. He has taken part in any event a student group puts together, whether it be sitting in a dunk tank or serving as an open mic night judge.
As a member of JWU’s Black Student Union and Campus Cultures, Dakota has valued the chance to give a voice to a community within the campus. He relished in the opportunity to create programming showcasing a part of his identity as well as share his experiences with Johnson & Wales.
As a senior, Dakota took the opportunity to use an internship to further his career aspirations. Dakota knew he wanted to continue helping others see their potential and found that chance at React Fast Basketball Academy. As a member of the staff at React Fast, Dakota has been able to transfer his passion for the game to a new generation. By working with elementary and middle school aged students, Dakota has used his collegiate coursework in Psychology to connect to the students and help them become better all-around athletes. His internship has evolved to become full time employment with React Fast in the same community he grew up in.
Dakota will graduate this week with his degree in Psychology and continue to ensure those around him are celebrated for their gifts and take advantage of their opportunities.