Hall of Fame
Mr. Darryl Coates graduated from Cheyney in 1982 and is currently serving the Philadelphia community as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti- violence Network, a position he has held since 2005. Coated is also the Director of Nu Sigma Youth Services, a youth serving agnecy, providing positive youth development and services to inner-city youth, which was founded by Coates and several other alumnae from Cheyney. Since graduation, Coates has specialized in the development and implementation of recreational, cultural and educational violence and drug prevention programs for youth from at risk enviroments.
He is an active member of the Cheyney University Alumni Association, the Philadelphia Chapter of the NAACP, Philadelphia Chapter of the National Pan Hellenic Council and past President of Nu Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Coates was appointed by the International President of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to serve as International Director of the Sigma Beta Clubs of America, an organization created in the 1950's to work with young males. Coates has also been involved with the Mayor's Commission on African American Males, Coalition of African American Organizations, and the Board of Managers of the Glen Mills School. In 2007, he was recognized by the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania as Excutive Director of the year for his violence and drug prevention work. He is a former member of the American Football Coaches Association as well as the Black Coaches Association.
Coates played football for the Wolves in 1981 and 1982 earning All-PSAC as a wide receiver in '82. After his playing days he went on to serve the University as an Assitant Football Coach from 1983-95.
Coates' deep commitment to serving the needs of youths grow from his childhood. He was rasied by his mother and five sisters in North Philadelphia when gang and drug related violence was rampant. He found shelter from the vices of drugs and gang violence in sports during high school days and his time at Cheyney University.
Darryl lives in Philadelphia with his wife Sharon. He spends his free time organixing and developing ned initiatives to enhance the lives of America's most valued resource, its youth.
