Boyce Watkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boyce Watkins
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| Born | June 20, 1971 |
| Education | University of Kentucky (BA, BS, MS) Ohio State University (PhD) |
| Occupation | Academic, finance expert, media analyst, influencer |
Boyce D. Watkins (born June 20, 1971) is an American author, speaker, and expert on money and social issues. He used to be a college professor. Watkins writes about finance and investing. He also champions education, helping people become financially strong, and making society fair for everyone. You might have seen him on TV shows like CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, and Fox News. He has also appeared on NPR, Essence, and ESPN.
Contents
Who is Boyce Watkins?
Early Life and Challenges
Boyce Watkins was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His mother was a teenager when he was born. His father left soon after, and they only spoke a few times. When Boyce was three, his mother, Robin Couch, married Larry Watkins. Larry was a Vietnam veteran from Louisville. His family worked hard to get ahead.
Boyce's mother always told her children to do their best. Larry, who became Boyce's adopted father, was strict. He later joined the local police force.
Watkins had a tough time in school. His grades were very low. Teachers even put him in special education. They told him he was not smart enough for college. "When I think about those years as a Black boy in a state like Kentucky, I get angry," Watkins said. "I almost lost the future God had for me."
In high school, Watkins was the captain of his track team. He also worked at Taco Bell and other fast-food places. His teenage years were hard. His father provided for the family but was very tough. This made Boyce feel alone. His uncle, who was eight years older, often went to prison. This added to his feelings of being left out. "Those were tough years," Watkins shared. "I honestly think my mind has blocked them out." He got a small scholarship to the University of Kentucky. It was from a group called "Black Achievers" in Louisville. This scholarship was just enough to pay for his classes.
College Life and Learning
During his last year of high school, Watkins met his first girlfriend. Six months after graduating, she had their child. He was a freshman in college at the time. The baby was born during his winter break. Becoming a father made Watkins even more determined to study hard. In his first semester at the University of Kentucky, he earned straight A's. This was the first time in his life.
Watkins earned many awards in college. He was named Freshman of the Year and Sophomore of the Year. He also received scholarships, including The Wall Street Journal Outstanding Graduating Senior in Finance. In 1993, Watkins earned three bachelor's degrees. These were in economics, finance, and business management. After college, he continued at the University of Kentucky. He earned a Master of Science degree in mathematics in 1998.
While in graduate school, Watkins became more involved in social issues. The campus newspaper, The Kentucky Kernel, used language that he felt was unfair to certain groups. So, Watkins started writing his own articles. He challenged the unfair ideas he saw on campus. He also disagreed with the university president, Charles T. Wethington Jr.. Watkins felt the president was not sensitive to all students. Eventually, he went to Ohio State University to get his Ph.D.
At Ohio State, Watkins studied business administration, focusing on finance. He finished his Ph.D. in 2002. His research was about how people's feelings and trading habits affect stock prices. His first job as a professor was at Syracuse University.
Early Career and Books
Besides teaching at Syracuse, Watkins was a visiting scholar at Texas Southern University. He also visited the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and a research center in Mannheim, Germany.
In 2004, Watkins wrote his first book. It was called Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about College: A Guide for Minority Students. The book was popular and started his work as a public writer. "I wrote this book for all the young kids like me who were told they can't go to college," Watkins said. A few months later, he wrote his second book, What if George Bush were a Black Man?. This book used humor to discuss what Watkins saw as special advantages for white people in America. He looked at the justice system, schools, and money systems. He used facts and stories to show how things might be different for powerful people if they were poor and Black.
He also wrote several books about money advice. These include Black American Money and The Parental 411: What Every Parent should Know about Their Child in College. His writings have also appeared in academic journals.
Speaking Out for College Athletes
Watkins strongly supports the rights of college athletes. He worked with the College Sport Research Institute. There, he challenged the NCAA. The NCAA is a group that organizes college sports. Watkins believes the NCAA takes advantage of young athletes, especially Black families. He says they use the athletes' skills but do not share the money made from sports with their families.
Watkins has appeared on many TV channels like CNN, ESPN, and CBS Sports. He explains why athletes should be paid. He has also questioned why the NCAA does not pay taxes. He believes the United States Congress should investigate the NCAA. He thinks they might be acting like a monopoly.
Watkins has debated the NCAA President, Myles Brand. He argues that the NCAA often ignores students' rights. He believes a fairer way to pay athletes is needed. He points out that the money from the NCAA March Madness is more than the Super Bowl and the World Series combined. Watkins also notes that many coaches become millionaires. This happens in a system that keeps star athletes and their families from getting rich. He has mentioned the work of sociologist Harry Edwards. Edwards helped Black athletes speak up during the 1968 Olympics.
Watkins believes that some college athletes are not given enough information. He says this allows coaches to control them. "Coaches in college are given little reason to help students graduate," Watkins said. "They even choose the classes for the athletes. It's not fair."
Financial Advice for the Community
Through his past work at Syracuse University and his website, YourBlackWorld.com, Watkins often gives money advice. He mostly speaks to African-American audiences. He teaches that being financially independent is important for overall freedom. He also believes that African Americans should try to "own the land on which you stand." He says this is key to being truly free in America.
