Uncrowned Community Builders

Evelyn Dove-Coleman was among seven Kinston-area women nominated for the 2007 Pinnacle of Achievement Award, presented by the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes professional excellence and valuable service to the community.

Dove-Coleman is a columnist for the Free Press of ENC Communications. Her column also appears in the Eagle News of Washington, D.C. Evelyn is the author of Prayers to Survive, Have Hope! and Harvey Beech Speaks: 1st Black UNC Graduate Reminisces & Expands. She co-authored Children Matter with her twin sons, Jay and Lee. Her books are part of the North Carolina Collection in UNC's Wilson Library.

Evelyn graduated from UNC in three years, earning her English degree in 1975. She was a North Carolina Fellow, a member of the Order of the Valkyries, an Institute of Government intern and the first black student body secretary. She was a charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Theta Pi chapter, where her godmother Roberta Jackson was the advisor.

Today Evelyn provides counseling and inspirational speeches through Pathchoice Ministry, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation in Kinston. She received the 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Keeper of the Dream Award in Kinston/Lenoir County and was named to the N.Y.-based Metropolitan Who's Who for counselors. She is a life member of the UNC General Alumni Association.

Here's what Evelyn says about what Carolina did for her and why she gives back:

"When I was recruited to UNC from Governor's School, a door of unlimited opportunities was opened for me. I give to Carolina because it was both my launching pad and my rocket ship. The education I received as an English major is unmatchable. When I drafted a speech for a North Carolina Supreme Court justice, she told me that the value of my UNC education was apparent. I have been blessed, and I feel compelled to help create opportunities for young students to attend UNC in the future."