By Brianna Young
(JACKSON, Miss.) –Edward Howard Benton walked across the stage Dec.5 to receive his master’s degree from Jackson State University, a milestone he calls proof that persistence and purpose paid off.
A health and physical education major from Atlanta, Benton is a father of five daughters, ages ranging from 7 to 18. He said earning his master’s degree was about building a legacy his girls can be proud of.
“When Morris Brown regained its accreditation, I thought, ‘Wow. This is my chance.’ I reapplied and returned,” Benton said.
Benton returned to Morris Brown College at age 40 while raising five daughters, a reminder that it’s never too late to finish a degree. In 2024 he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education before enrolling at Jackson State.
In 2019, Benton survived a shooting that left a bullet passing through his frontal lobe and nasal cavity. His doctor later told him it had been only the second case like it in his 30-year career.
Benton underwent surgery and recovered without life-altering injuries. The experience, he said, clarified his priorities and strengthened his resolve to provide for his family.
“I had a near-death experience, and that made me put all my chips on the table. Fearlessly, I pursued my goals,” declared Benton.
He was diagnosed with acute stress disorder and struggled with nightmares, panic, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Being enrolled in school and coaching helped him heal and refocus.
Benton first attended Morris Brown College, but the school lost its accreditation before he could finish. When Morris Brown regained accreditation, he returned to complete his studies. In 2024 he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Morris Brown before enrolling at Jackson State.
“Once I put my mind to it and believed in it, things started to manifest,” Benton said. “Morris Brown regained accreditation, formed a partnership with Jackson State, and then I was accepted at Jackson State.”
Jackson State aims to build leaders and Benton is on that path. He aspires to be a head collegiate coach. When his oldest daughter began playing sports, he said he noticed a shortage of qualified youth coaches. He is an assistant girls varsity and junior varsity basketball coach at South Atlanta High School.
“I know it’s not in vain. I know I’m going to be a six-figure coach because I speak it and I claim it.” Benton said.
As a father, Benton said he extends his parenting into coaching and mentoring. His players know they have a safe space and someone they can talk to. Growing up in the inner city, he said he wants to help them navigate life’s challenges.
“I’ve cried with my players. I’ve prayed with my players. I don’t think anybody can out-coach me from a mental standpoint and really understand these kids like I do. They’re like my children – I have about 20 of them,” Benton said.
For Benton, earning his master’s degree and the work he has poured into his daughters, players and community proved more than a line on his resume. It demonstrated that every sacrifice, late night, setback and prayer led him exactly where he was meant to be.
“I was so proud when I walked across the stage on Dec. 5 because I knew what my family had been through for me to pursue my dream. I’m a living testimony. I’ve been through things people don’t survive, so walking across that stage meant a lot,” he said.
