Texas Southern University Mourns Longtime Educator, Veteran, And Coach Dr. Jesse Hurst

The Texas Southern University Athletics Department is mourning the loss of former staff member, coach, and military veteran Dr. Jesse Hurst.

Hurst, 82, was born in Houston’s third ward in 1941 and lived a fascinating life. He graduated from Jack Yates High School and received an academic scholarship in baseball and football to Oklahoma State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology.

Hurst was in the second class of African-American recruits at OSU in 1958 and was roommates with Chester Pittman, the first Black football player in school history, who signed the year before.

After graduating from Oklahoma State, Hurst went on to get a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from HBCU Texas Southern University. 

Hurst also had an extensive military background that included graduating from the U.S. Army’s War College in Leavenworth, KS, and serving two tours in the Vietnam War as a member of the 12th Special Forces Reserves in Tulsa, OK. The Veteran received numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge, Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, two Bronze Service Stars to Vietnam Service, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Later, Hurst taught physical education and was a coach for more than a decade at Prairie View A&M University, and oversaw the academic program for athletes at the University of Houston for seven years. Additionally, Hurst taught kinesiology and health education at Texas Southern University for more than 20 years.

Hurst leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Carol E. Hurst, and four children: Carolyn Hurst Hervey, Katrena Hurst Brantley, LaMonika Hurst Taylor, and Kenyatta Washington, and four grandchildren. According to a Texas Southern University release, a viewing and funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston. The viewing will be held at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service.

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