Jerry LeVias
Jerry LeVias holds a special place in the history of college athletics. When he entered SMU in 1965, he became the first African American to receive an athletic scholarship in the Southwest Conference. His signing with SMU changed the racial makeup of college football in the South. LeVias made both athletic and academic All-American football teams and led the Mustangs to their first conference title in 18 years.
After earning his B.S. degree from SMU in 1969, LeVias played professional football for the Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers. He has received numerous honors recognizing his achievements in football including the following:
· SMU Hall of Fame
· Texas Sports Hall of Fame
· African-American Hall of Fame
· National College Football Hall of Fame
· All-American Alumni Award of the Football Writers Association of America
He also is a recipient of the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award.
LeVias currently is director of community outreach for Boys and Girls Harbor in Houston. He operates a marketing firm, LeVias Enterprises, Inc., and is also director of marketing for Janice McKinney Court Reporting Service in Houston. His volunteer activities include motivational speaking and chairing Community Voices in Action and previously serving as honorary chair of the Southeast Texas Prostate Cancer Awareness Program.