Jeff Dodson is the first featured former athlete in “Where Are They Now?”, a bi-monthly spotlight of the Bevill State athletic department focusing on athletes who have succeeded, both on the field of play and in their professional careers.

Dodson, a native of Fayette, Alabama, was a baseball standout for Coach Jay Hillis during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. He graduated with an Associate in Science degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in May 1989. Upon leaving the college, he earned a spot on the baseball roster at Livingston University, now the University of West Alabama, and graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1993. He returned to Bevill State Community College as the head baseball coach for two seasons in 1995-1996 before departing for the same position at Martin Methodist College. He later earned his Master of Science degree in 2002 from Emporia State University.

Jeff took some time to answer a few questions about his time spent at Bevill State and what he is currently doing in his career.

Current Occupation: Head Baseball Coach at the University of North Dakota

How did participating in athletics mold you into the person you are today?

“Playing baseball taught me how to handle stress and failure without getting too emotional. Baseball, like life, is challenging sometimes and you can’t let your emotions get too high or low in either one because you will waste too much energy doing that.”

How do you think your time at Bevill State benefited you academically and/or athletically?
“Brewer State (now Bevill State) prepared me for college and I still got to be around my family. It also helped me prepare in the classroom which was a big change from high school.”

While at Bevill State, who was your favorite instructor?

“Mr. Jerry Killingsworth, who passed away after a battle with cancer, taught Pre-Calculus Algebra and Calculus and was without a doubt my favorite. He had a way to make sure you understood the material and wouldn’t stop teaching until you got it. He could also write a problem with one hand and then finish it with the other, which was amazing!”

What do you remember most about your time at Bevill State?

The thing I remember the most, without a doubt, is how easy it was to approach and talk to the teachers. They would have an open door all of the time no matter how big or small the problem was. That is one thing I have always tried to do throughout my coaching career. As long as you work hard and put in the effort, they will go the extra mile for you….every time!!”

To follow Coach Dodson’s team at the University of North Dakota: CLICK HERE!