Kentucky State University Athletics

Preston Harts, Sr., born on October 5, 1940, was a devoted Christian, husband, father and grandfather. He was inducted into Kentucky State University’s Athletic Hall of Fame for football in 1979. Adept at other sports including basketball and baseball, Mr. Harts also received the honor of All American from I.C. Norcom High School.

Founder of the I.C. Norcom Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, Mr. Harts was a gifted athlete and played on sports teams in the U.S. Army where he was drafted during the Korean War. Upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Harts continued to pursue his education and received his master’s degree from Columbia University in New York and worked toward his doctorate. 

He believed in education and was steadfast in instilling standards of excellence in students and athletes.  Beginning his educational career as a rehabilitation instructor at The Jewish Guild for the Blind in New York, Mr. Harts went on to become an educator and an assistant principal for various middle and high schools in New York and Virginia. In the last quarter of his career, he served at John F. Kennedy High School, Waters Middle School, Craddock Middle School and Churchland Middle School. His last assignment was as a district administrator for the Portsmouth Public School District.

He was also dedicated to his church and community and believed in a life of service.  He served as a member of the Veterans Ministry at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church and continued his commitment to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity as a lifelong member.

Mr. Harts died on June 13, 2019, but left a legacy in his life of service, dedication to his family, and commitment to being a servant leader. He has said, “It is indeed an honor for us to “serve” and “to be” rather than to be seen.”