From Denmark to Harvard and Back: The Journey of Dr. Washington

In a classroom conversation, Dr. Washington a professor of communication with a journey unlike any other sat down with students to talk about education, resilience, career paths, and what it really means to stay in motion. What followed was an honest, humorous, and deeply human narrative about navigating life, loss, ambition, and purpose.

Sound Bite: “I was born and raised in Denmark, South Carolina… Graduated in 2001.”

Benedict. Morehouse. Savannah State. Norfolk State. And finally, Jackson State University, the place that felt like home.

Dr. Washington’s story begins in the small town of Denmark, SC, a place he says he never expected to come back to. After graduating high school at 16 with AP credits already under his belt, he launched into a long, winding educational journey that took him across the country.

From Morehouse to Savannah State, Norfolk State, and ultimately Jackson State, he explored major after major in communication, English, sociology until finally landing in journalism and media studies, where things began to click.

His degrees span institutions like Northwestern, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania, but his reflections on rigor surprised the room.

 Sound Bite:
“Harvard was a joke… I never read one article. I just listened in class and got a 4.0.”

Yet, he describes Penn as the most academically challenging—particularly in finance and administration.

Sound Bite:“I work with one foot in the door and one foot out. Never become complacent.”.

Dr. Washington’s professional path includes teaching roles across multiple universities, leadership in marketing, and even a stint in the fashion industry. His job at Be Visionary Enterprises in Houston remains his favorite:

 Sound Bite:
“I love clothes… I have 362 pairs of Jordans.”

But he also sees potential. He spoke passionately about revitalizing small towns, attracting industries, and increasing economic mobility.

One of the most striking closing statements was about the value of higher education today. 

Sound Bite:
“A bachelor’s degree is like a second high school diploma.”

But the message he left with students was simple—and powerful:

 Sound Bite:
“If I can’t find a way, I’ll make one.”

Bold. Brilliant. Unfiltered.
A hometown son who traveled the country, earned degrees across the map, and returned to pour fire, honesty, and opportunity into the next generation.