B E H I ND T HE B A D G E By STACEY WALTERS
There are times that the badge feels heavier than it did at the beginning of his career for Sergeant Quintin Collins ’05, MBA. Still, he remembers why he loves the community he serves and wears his badge as an illustration of his honor and duty.
“I do this job so people can understand that there are many different walks of life, and someone has to protect and serve,” said Collins. “I am a community-oriented police officer and believe in 100 percent community policing. My faith is strong, and I keep pushing.”
Collins is a true testament that marrying core values and a career is a secret to fulfillment. His journey to success began to take shape on “the hill,” where earning his education opened his eyes to a whole new world of what it means to protect and serve. 34
UPIKE MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2022
The Charleston, S.C., native was a part of UPIKE’s first football team, the Elite Nine, which included Jerry Anderson ’05, Larry Forester ’05, Justin Gordon ’05, Antwan Brown ’05, Hank Mullins ’05, Michael Sheppard ’05, Derek ‘Big Show’ Silas ’05 and Joe Spears ’05. The scholar-athletes brought different cultures and lifestyles to the team and were leaders on and off the field, helping the new program grow and keeping each other grounded. “Quintin has always been a leader and wanted to do the honorable thing,” said Sheppard. “He has never hesitated to help anyone at any time. I am so proud of his courage and dedication, and I am proud to call him a friend.” Pursuing his athletic passion was important, but Collins had a gut feeling that the university would provide something else — something intangible, yet valuable.
