York University (NE)

Teammates, colleagues, and players he's coached describe Dr. Bill Pink '87 as a talented player and teacher, with a kind word for all as he strives for excellence on the court and in the classroom.

Pink has been an educator for more than 25 years. During that time he has worn many hats at schools in Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon and Nebraska. His leadership roles have included athletic director, head coach, professor, assistant to the president, committee chair, associate dean, and vice president. He began his academic career at York College, where he studied education and was a center on the basketball team.

During Pink's years on the court, the Panthers were conference champions ('86) and co-champions ('87). He was the team's co-captain his sophomore year, led the team in scoring and was the second leading rebounder. That year he was named 1st Team All-Nebraska Junior College. 

Pink went on to attend Oklahoma Christian University, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Oklahoma, eventually completing a PhD in instructional leadership and academic curriculum. He returned to York College for two years to teach and coach men's basketball and men's and women's tennis. During that time, he was recognized as the first African-American junior college men's basketball head coach in Nebraska history. 

Today Pink is the vice president and dean of the School of Workforce Development at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a frequent presenter at education and athletic conferences throughout the United States. He has served as a board member for many civic organizations. He has been selected twice to participate in the American delegation to China and recently, he was selected for the first cohort of the Aspen Presidential Fellowship, an elite program for future college presidents.

Because of his dedication to developing young people through excellence in education and athletics, on this day, October 21, 2016, Dr. Bill Pink '87 is inducted into the York College Athletic Hall of Fame.