Brother Rod Paige
Inducted into Southwestern Conference Hall of Fame

On January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confirmed Dr. Rod Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education. For Paige, the son of a principal and a librarian in public schools, that day was the crowning achievement of a long career in education. He earned a bachelor's degree from Jackson State University before going on to earn a master's and a doctoral degree from Indiana University.

From 1962 to 1969, he worked as the head coach of the Jackson State football team, followed by a ten-year stint as football coach and dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University, where he founded the school's Center for Excellence in Urban Education. While at Jackson State, he was known for his ability to instill dedication, hustle and the sheer will to excel into his players both on and off the field. In 1968, 11 of Paige’s players were drafted into the NFL, including defensive back John Outlaw, flanker Harold Jackson and lineman Tom Funchess. This fact is even more remarkable by the knowledge that he had only three assistants on his staff at the time.


The Sigma Spot Light looks to recognize members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity who are doing great things in our communities.  If you know a brother who may be a potential Sigma Spot Light candidate send his information to technology@pbs1914.org.