The Sky's the Limit

Quincy Smiling's determination and positive attitude have taken him far on the road to success.

Quincy Smiling (PhD '04) finished his master's degree in just one year. "I've always had some type of challenge. I love challenges. They motivate me," he says. "'Can't' is not in my vocabulary. I don't believe in 'I can't.'"

Although now a rehabilitation counseling assistant professor at Winston-Salem State University , as well as adjunct faculty member at Forsythe Technical Community College , Smiling still doesn't consider himself a success. His gym-a lifelong dream, and his ultimate mark of success-is under construction and a year and a half away from being completed. Smiling's goal is to enhance the physical well-being of people with disabilities. He wants his gym, Smiling Redemption Center, Inc., to function as a family center and to be a stepping stone for disadvantaged youth in his community.

"Go through challenges, and you'll be a better person," says Smiling speaking from experience.

From day one, Smiling's father was strict and physically abusive. His father wouldn't allow him to participate in after-school basketball because he didn't want to pick him up after school. Because of zoning, school was 25 miles away and the drive took too long.

What did Quincy do? He defiantly stayed after school and played basketball every day. And every day for two weeks his father punished him.

"My dad thought he could beat it out of me, the drive and ambition I had. But I stayed with it. I went to basketball. And once my dad finally realized that I wouldn't give it up, he told me that if I could find a ride home I could join the team. It was a good, thing, too," admits Smiling, "because in the end I got a basketball scholarship to go to Benedict College ."

As the first in his family to earn a college degree, Smiling credits a lot to that basketball scholarship and everything he had to do to get it.

"If a person doesn't believe I can do something, I just say, 'Let me show you'," he says with a hint of the defiant over-achiever in his voice.

Smiling's little sister, LeKia, was watching.

"She wouldn't have gone to college either," he said. "I showed her what is possible and I hope I am able to show others that a different alternative is always possible."

LeKia Smiling went on to earn a master's degree in computer engineering.

Smiling knows that when you put in the time and apply yourself, all things are possible. He's used that same strong-willed determination when it comes to academic achievement.

Professor Vilia Tarvydas , Smiling's faculty advisor at Iowa , says faculty are impressed with his exceptional motivation, as well as his interpersonal and leadership skills.

Smiling credits his mother, Lottie, with helping him succeed.

"Quincy 's personable demeanor, humor, energy, and commitment engender trust," she said.

"In a word, working with Dr. Smiling is inspirational," says Teisha Peebles, Smiling's teaching assistant. "He makes me strive to do and be the best I can. He's always said to me, 'Be a leader, not a follower.'"

Initially, athletics are what got Smiling interested in college, but once he stepped through those doors he made the most out of his time in school. He was the first in his fraternity to earn a Ph.D., and now, at just 30, Smiling credits hearing his seven-year-old son matter-of-factly say, "My dad has a doctorate," as his greatest success. Being there for his son, providing that kind of achievement, creates hope and high expectations.

"It all comes down to the fact that everyone needs a good example, and I've had plenty to look up to," says Smiling. With many doubting him, Smiling says the hopes of his mother and his oldest brother were vital to his success.

"I give so much credit to my mom and my big brother Mike, who supported me through my B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.," says Smiling. "They always believed in me and I owe them so much."

In addition to his teaching position and his gym, Smiling is also directing energies into his new consulting agency, R & S Consultants, LLC, which provides community agencies with human services and workshop training on conflict and stress management, mediation, and succession planning.

"People ask if I'm an entrepreneur. I'm not an entrepreneur," he says, "I'm a pioneer. The difference is that I originate the idea and the energy and then I make room for others. I want people to know the sky's the limit."