Henderson State University

06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 07:44

Alumni Profile: David Humphrey says principles he learned at Henderson still apply

David Humphrey

David Humphrey is a retired sports journalist and a 1982 graduate of Henderson State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a minor in English and was a two-sport athlete in football and track and field. He and his wife Theresa ('91) live in Mansfield, Texas, and have two children.

Humphrey began his journalism career at the Malvern Daily Record and also worked at The Orange Leader, Austin American-Statesman and Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He was one of the first black sports editors at a daily newspaper in Arkansas while at the Daily Record in the 1980s. Humphrey gained national recognition in the 1990s when he was promoted to executive sports editor at the American-Statesman, one of six black sports editors at a major daily newspaper in the United States at the time.

In 2024, David was a recipient of the school's Outstanding Black Alumni Award.

Q&A

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

The combination of sports and higher education helped mold my leadership skills, provided tools to complete tasks, and expanded my confidence and ability to prepare, motivate and navigate a variety of situations and people. The Oracle sharpened my ability to manage, plan and coordinate coverage and staffers, meet deadlines and have sound judgment. I was able to see what success looked like by following graduates such as Hosea Sanders, Lee Ivory, Lowell Sanders, and Fred Nuesch. Each of them, and others, became successful journalists. Under Dr. Claude Sumerlin's leadership, along with a competitive sports mentality and teamwork culture from football and track and field, I had a blueprint for success.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

Graduation day. May 14, 1982. I have the program. I graduated in four years. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was my main goal, and I accomplished it. The unpredictable Battle of the Ravine. I played in four of them. It's the best rivalry in sports. The camaraderie I had, and still have, with my teammates. We stay in contact with each other after more than 40 years. During my senior season, we were ranked No. 1 in the nation for one week. Another was working on the award-winning Oracle.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

The Oracle gave me a solid preview of the newspaper business. I had some of my stories published in the Arkadelphia papers. Even though we're in the digital/social media age now, the basic principles I learned at Henderson still apply. In football, you had to be tough physically and mentally to play for Coach Sporty Carpenter. He appreciated effort, but he liked making plays better. That translates into doing your job or task with completeness in the real world. It's a philosophy I continue to use even in retirement.

Were there any specific courses or professors who had a specific impact on you?

Dr. Claude Sumerlin. Great teacher with exceptional knowledge of journalism. Sports Information Director Mike Dugan introduced me to the statistical part of sports journalism. Although not a professor, President Dr. Martin B. Garrison used to come to our football practices and stand in the end zone. I thought it was a big deal to be able to talk to the president of the university as a student. He was very approachable.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Get involved in activities on campus. I was in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, English Club, Society of Collegiate Journalists, Confederation of Black Students, worked on The Oracle and was a member of the Goodloe Guns championship intramural basketball team. Develop a blueprint of what you want to accomplish at HSU and as a professional. Be confident and be prepared. HSU produces difference-makers in all fields of study. It's an intellectual experience. You never know when an opportunity might come. Remember, someone is always watching.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

College will produce some of the best days of your life. Appreciate the moment. Live on campus. Dorm life (back in the day in Goodloe Hall) was fun. I met a lot of great people. HSU is a notable brand. During my career, particularly when directing coverage of the NFL/Dallas Cowboys and the University of Texas, inevitably I would meet someone from HSU or see someone wearing Reddies gear. We're everywhere. Once a Reddie, always a Reddie.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

My favorite fictional superhero is Ironman. I like the Ironman outfit with jet boots and repulsor rays. I like the mission of protecting the world and universe.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

I'm a Fitbit walker. I try to take 10,000 steps per day, Monday through Saturday. I take Sunday off. My favorite hobby is collecting Wheaties boxes. Some of them are 30 years old. I'm not sure of their value, but I'm ready to sell them.

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

Windsor, Canada. Cool weather in the middle of summer. We treated Canadian money like play money. The Canadian exchange rate was fascinating. I believe it was the first time I spent foreign currency of any kind.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be and why?

King David in the Bible. I was named after him.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would go with rhythm and blues. Temptations, Four Tops and a little Parliament Funkadelic and Rick James.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received and how has it influenced your life or career?

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7. Those are some very comforting verses in good times and bad times.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

This will not fit in the category of talent or skill, but I have received compliments on my voice all my life. My voice has been compared to the late actor/orators James Earl Jones and Roscoe Lee Browne. Some of the children call me The Lion King.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

A machete, a mirror to signal for help and Fiji water.

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