Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kevin Dyson

Kevin Dyson, a former number 16th pick of the 1998 NFL Draft by then the Tennessee Oilers (Titans), who also played for the Carolina Panthers, now works at Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, TN serving as an Assistant Principal.

His name is synonymous with two of the most memorable plays in National Football League history. The 2000 Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, and Super Bowl XXXIV versus the St. Louis Rams are games that have etched Dr. Dyson into National Football League history.

On January 8, 2000, Dr. Dyson was thrust into the spotlight with late-game heroics as he and his teammates pulled off the improbable, now known as the “Music City Miracle”. With 16 seconds on the game clock, the Tennessee Titans ran a desperation play known as “Homerun Throwback”. Upon receiving a lateral from teammate Frank Wycheck, Dr. Dyson raced 75 yards for the go-ahead and eventual game winning touchdown. Not shying from theatrics, three short weeks later Dr. Dyson would once again be put into the spotlight. As the final ticks began to flow on Super Bowl XXXIV, Dr. Dyson caught a potential game equalizing pass from Steve McNair, only to be tackled one yard short of the goal line by Ram Linebacker, Mike Jones.  

Prior to his professional days, Dr. Dyson made a name for himself by making what would later become to be known as “The Catch” versus the University of Arizona and their “Desert Swarm” defense in the 1994 Freedom Bowl in Anaheim, CA. With only a few precious ticks left on the game clock, a battered and harassed Mike McCoy slung a desperation pass near Dr. Dyson as he reached out and made the miraculous one-handed catch to give the Utes the eventual, game-winning touchdown. Dr. Dyson had a decorated career at the University of Utah that included several game winning catches and multiple All-Conference honors, becoming the all-time career leader in receptions and a first-round draft pick selection. However, it was his time growing up that help mold him in the person and athlete he became to be.

After being raised predominately by a single mother, Dr. Dyson, the oldest of four, boasted to his mother that one day he would go into the NBA and buy her a house. His mother did not discourage him from his dream.  Rather, she put more of an emphasis on education and the importance of going to college and getting a degree, as opposed to putting all his eggs into the proverbial “professional dream” basket. It must have worked, because Dr. Dyson has earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Practical Practice, and two Master’s Degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Dr. Dyson now regularly and avidly speaks to and mentors youth in the Metro Nashville area about his journey to present day. He resides in Franklin, TN with his wife LaRosa Truth and their two kids, Genesis Emree (9) and Korynne Elyse (7).
 
Education
University of Utah, 1997
  • B.S. Sociology
  • Criminology Certification
 
Trevecca Nazarene University, 2007
  • Master’s Education
  • Educational Leadership
 
Trevecca Nazarene University, 2010
  • Master’s Education
  • Teaching Principles 7-12
 
Trevecca Nazarene University, 2018
  • Doctor of Education
  • Leadership and Practical Practice