2023 SPEAKER & LIVING LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT

Ashford Collins is a vice principal at Valley Park Elementary School in Overland Park, Kansas. Prior to joining the Blue Valley School District, Collins served as an English language arts teacher in the Olathe School District and also worked at Kansas City Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School. He coached football and track at Santa Fe Trail Middle School (Olathe) from 2012-2014 and was the running back coach for MNU from 2015-2017.

Collins coordinated the Hope Walk in Olathe with the goal of gathering different organizations, initiatives, and people to inspire and share their impact on social justice, mental health, and community relations. The event was held each year from 2016-2021.

This October, Collins was honored at MNU with Alumnus of the Year for his work as an educator and leader in the community. While a student at MNU he served as a resident assistant, in the Black Student Union, as a member of the Gospel Choir, and as a youth mentor at his church.

Collins earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education at MNU, then attended Emporia State University for his graduate studies. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at the University of Kansas with an expected graduation date of 2024.