Chesterfield’s Dr. Darin Coleman: A Marriage of Professions
The full measure of who Dr. Darin Coleman is could never be described without expressing his educational values and love for mankind, as is evidenced by the varied positions he holds within his community.
For nearly 15 years, Coleman has served on the Chesterfield County School District Board of Trustees, where he is now vice chairman. As district 2 representative, Coleman’s coverage includes Petersburg Primary, Pageland and Jefferson Elementary, New Heights Middle and Central High schools.
During the same 15-year span, he has risen through the ranks at Northeastern Technical College from director of Student Support Services to Student Services manager and now dean of Student Engagement. Since November of 1996, he has served as pastor and is now the senior pastor of New Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, N.C., during which time he and his family also founded Charity Community Church of Christ in Cheraw, S.C.
His wholistic approach to life and his assignments has led Coleman to his most rewarding achievements.
“My goal is to work in education and community by using my knowledge and expertise to help people succeed,” said Coleman. “I continue to work hard to develop leadership skills in communication, sound judgment, delegation and interacting with people to motivate their potential to excel in life.”
To that end, Coleman recently earned a doctorate in ministerial leadership from Columbia International University (CIU). He also holds a master’s degree in theological studies and organizational leadership from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s in sociology from Coker University.
The term “It just so happened…” is likely the best way to describe the road to his profession and service to students from kindergarten through college.
“I never thought of this in any way early on. I am a first-generation college student,” said Coleman. “However, I believe it was divinely orchestrated by God that set me on this journey, and when I reflect upon both, they intersected when I started my career in higher education (in) 2009 and was elected to the school board (in) 2010.”
Coleman supervises student life at four of Northeastern Technical College’s campuses – Bennettsville, Cheraw, Dillon and Pageland.
His responsibilities include assisting students with admissions and financial aid; creating programs to enhance student life; and handling disciplinary issues.
“I was given opportunity to work on a temporary grant to mentor African American males, (which) turned into a full-time (position),” said Coleman.
As for his role as a minister, Coleman’s recollection is much like others who serve as senior pastors.
“I was made aware in 1993 and accepted this call in 1994 at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, in Chesterfield, S.C.,” said Coleman, who calls his journey in every realm amazing and full of challenges and rewards. “When I look back, ‘if it had not been for the Lord on my side,’ none of this would have been possible. So, I see myself as a minister of education.”
His education ministry of great height and depth in the community also permeates the home of him and his wife of 34 years, Amy.
“My wife and I made it our goal to make college a reality for our children,” said Coleman. “Now, all five of us have master’s degrees and I complete(d) my doctorate in May 2024.”
Whether in the board room, on the college campus, the pulpit or at home, Coleman counts himself fortunate to mentor students, serve constituents and guide and guard his family and the flock.
“I am always concerned about being an advocate for people to have access to better themselves,” Coleman said. “As a leader in the church and community, it has afforded me the privilege to use my leadership (skills) as a member and vice chair of my local school board.”