For Darius Beckford, B.A. ’17, Baltimore “means everything.” In his career, he has
dedicated himself to working for the people of this city. That’s why he knew he had
to come back to The University of Baltimore for his doctoral studies in public administration.
“I’m a Baltimorean through and through,” he said. “Where else could I go to learn
about programming and what’s going to work for the city?”
Now, thanks to scholarship support from UBalt donors, Darius is completing his education in the heart of the city, just like he dreamed. But his UBalt story began earlier, over ten years ago.
"I’m blessed to be able to walk into a school that wants to pour so much into me."
Darius grew up in Park Heights amidst a thriving Caribbean community as a second-generation
American and a third-generation Baltimorean. When it came time to think about college,
he wasn’t sure where to go or how to pay for it. But one recruiter in UBalt’s Career
and Internship Center found a way to make the University of Baltimore work for him:
she offered Darius a work-study program.
So, he began working full-time at the Enoch Pratt Free Library while attending evening classes. Through this opportunity, Darius got his first taste of working in human services. And eventually, when his work-study became a full-time job, it became an experience that would guide the rest of his career. He credits the University’s flexibility for allowing him to succeed as a full-time worker and full-time student. “UBalt has been a blessing,” he said, “because it created the avenue for me to work in human services. And I’ve been in human services since 2013.”
After graduating from UBalt with his bachelor’s degree, Darius got to work serving
the Baltimore community. Early in his career, he put his skills to use as a parole
and probation agent. From that experience, Darius learned the importance of early
intervention, a lesson he carried with him as he started working in the public sector.
In his current role where he partners with the Baltimore Police Department, he focuses
on supporting young people. “Investing in our youth,” Darius explained, “is a form
of crime prevention.” And, to make his work more effective, he wanted to earn his
doctorate degree.
That led him back to where it all started: the University of Baltimore. “Being in
human services for the last 13 years, doing community work and outreach,” he said,
“I have a peer-to-peer relationship with the citizens of Baltimore. Why not continue
to show love and support to an institution that’s in my backyard?”
The Doctor of Public Administration program offered more than a focus on Baltimore, though. Darius was looking for a program built around applied theory. That’s exactly what he found at UBalt. “There are few programs in the country that offer this. UBalt will be an excellent fit to continue elevating me to the next level.”
"I am beyond thankful to have an institution that has infrastructure in place to provide funding and financing to a student like me."
Looking back as he begins his doctoral program, Darius is grateful for what’s brought
him so far.
“Thank God for the school and the people,” he said. “I am beyond thankful to have
an institution that has infrastructure in place to provide funding and financing to
a student like me. And it is through scholarships that that’s able to be done.”
But he still has his greatest goal ahead of him: to serve the city he loves. “I’m blessed to be able to walk into a school that wants to pour so much into me, so that I can pour that back into my community, back into my fellow citizens of Baltimore.”