Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Donald Comer
JACKSON, Tenn. — It’s time to spotlight one of our neighbors, presented to you by the Tennessee Lottery.
Each week in February, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News will celebrate Black History Month by introducing you to a member of our community here in West Tennessee.
This week, we shine the spotlight on a Jackson native that has returned to his hometown to continue making a difference at historically black colleges and universities.
Lane College’s president says he is thankful to be back in the city that gave him a foundation for success.
Dr. Donald Comer found a passion to help historically black colleges and universities during his work at FedEx.
“I started growing up here in Jackson. Went through Jackson-Madison County Schools — West High School. It doesn’t exist anymore but it was a good foundation for me as I grew up here in Jackson,” said Dr. Comer.
After graduating high school, he pursued a degree in accounting at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He later received a master of business administration and a PHD in urban higher education.
He moved to Memphis and worked for a small minority accounting firm and eventually found himself at FedEx. It is there that Comer says his desire to be involved in giving back to education, specifically HBCU’s, started.
“That it really fueled my passion to make more impact with students of color and to continue to be a friend of Lane College and I’m very fortunate to have this unique opportunity to lead my hometown HBCU,” said Dr. Comer.
Comer retired after 35-years with FedEx as a senior executive and he said the corporation allowed him to find a way to serve others. During his time at FedEx, Comer said the company let him support and give back to HBCU’s and he was able to be on the board of directors for some of those HBCU’s.
He said prior to taking the president position, he was able to speak with students and faculty at Lane College and get to know the campus. He fell in love with the college and is thankful for the opportunity to give back to students and HBCU’s.
But for him, it’s about more than just being president at Lane.
“It’s a full circle moment. To have grown up here, to have family that’s still here, to have spent the last 40 plus years in another city and then to come home,” said Dr. Comer.
Comer plans to work with the college faculty and students to enhance and increase educational opportunities to provide services to help students be successful. Comer’s goals include academic excellence for the students that he says help keep him young.
Join us next week to meet another neighbor as we continue to celebrate Black History Month.
SEE ALSO: Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Margaret Taylor
