Dr. McKinley Boston, Jr.

Dr. McKinley Boston Jr.: A Life in Football and Education

McKinley Boston's journey is one of athletic triumph, academic achievement, and leadership. Growing up in the segregated South, he excelled in high school football, basketball, and track at P.W. Moore High School. His talent on the gridiron earned him a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where he became a member of the 1967 Big Ten Championship team, the last for the Golden Gophers.

Beyond the field, McKinley was a founding member of the University of Minnesota's undergraduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After Minnesota, he became a professional, playing for the New York Giants (1968-1970) and the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (1971-1972).

His passion for the game extended to coaching. For 15 years, he served as the defensive coordinator at Montclair State College in New Jersey. McKinley also transcended the sidelines by earning a doctorate degree from New York University, and afterwards quickly rose through the ranks of athletic administration, holding the position of Athletic Director at Kean College, University of Rhode Island, his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, and New Mexico State University. He also served on the NCAA Final Four Selection Committee and held the position of Vice President at the University of Minnesota.

McKinley's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a lifelong love for learning and sports. He is a true champion, both on and off the field.

Dr. McKinley Boston has been married for 55 years