HOUSTON - The Texas Southern Department of Athletics mourns the loss of former staff member Dr. Jesse Hurst.
Born in Houston, Texas (Third Ward) and a graduate from Jack Yates High School, Dr. Hurst received a football and baseball scholarship to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla., where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. He was in the second class of African-America recruits at OSU in 1958 and roomed with the first black player, Chester Pittman, who signed the year before.
Dr. Hurst received a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Southern University. He also graduated from the U.S. Army's War College in Leavenworth, Kansas. Dr. Hurst joined the Army Reserves after receiving his draft notice. He was a member of the 12th Special Forces Reserves in Tulsa, Okla., and served two and half tours in Vietnam.
His military education included: Air Assault School, C & GS School, Physical Fitness LRR CRS, Path Finder CRS, MEChPLT LDR CRS, Int. Off. Basic, Ranger, Methods of Instruction, Jungle Training and Air Borne. His service honors include: the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oakleaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge, Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, two Bronze Service Stars to Vietnam Service, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Dr. Hurst was a Master Certified Official for the discus throw, hammer throw, shot put, and javelin throw for USA Track and the AAU, and a well-respected USA Track Official. He set a record in the 1978 Pan American Games in powerlifting in Caracas, Venezuela, in the bench press with 405 pounds.
Dr. Hurst taught physical education and served as a coach for more than 10 years at Prairie View A&M. He oversaw the academic program for athletes at the University of Houston for seven years, with one duty lining up tutoring for student-athletes. At Texas Southern, he taught kinesiology and health education for more than 20 years.
He attended Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for the past 57 years and was a member of the Houston Police Citizen Committee-Southeast; a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; a board member of Central Care Integrated Health System; and a Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr. Hurst earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1957. He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Carol E. Hurst, and four children: Carolyn Hurst Hervey (chemical engineer), Katrena Hurst Brantley (assistant principal), LaMonika Hurst Taylor (corporate lawyer), and Kenyatta Washington (social worker). He also had four grandchildren.
A viewing and funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston. The viewing will be held at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service.
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