In an effort to honor
African-American alumni from each of the nine schools affiliated with the
America East, the conference is putting together a nine-part video series
featuring one prominent African-American alumni from each school. This video
series highlights the great history and success that African-American graduates
from America East schools have had and also displays the variety of different
jobs and backgrounds that these alumni have made an impact on after graduation.
Since graduating from the University of Vermont in 1958,
William Pickens III has made a significant contribution in a variety of
different fields. While enrolled at UVM, Pickens became the first
African-American president of the student body and president of the senior
men's honorary society for excellence in scholarship and leadership on campus.
Along with blazing a trail for future African-Americans at UVM, Pickens also
was an ROTC student, and was designated as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
Following three years in Japan serving as the Personnel
Officer in the 5th Air Force, Pickens began an illustrious career in
the business world, serving in management at Western Electric, Booz Allen &
Hamilton, Marine Midland Bank and Philip Morris Inc. While he has received
great recognition for his work in the business world, Pickens has also been
active working in the community, working with Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc., The
Paul Robeson Foundation and the National Committee on American Foreign Policy.
Pickens is also a long-time serving member of the NAACP, having begun his
membership in 1941 and now serving as a National Board member.
As an individual who has traveled the world and made an
impact throughout his business career, Pickens is the ideal representative for
the University of Vermont during Black History Month.