A former Kansas State University student athlete and graduate student has been awarded the Vivien Coe Richard Top Teens Leadership Award.
Dr. James “Jim” Heggie, the former senior educational specialist and program director of education and community relations at the Center of Health Equity and Evaluation Research at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, was recognized for his outstanding service in introducing career opportunities in the medical profession to youth.
“I am proud of this award,” said Heggie, “and especially proud to be an alumnus of Kansas State University.”
Heggie, who received his bachelor’s and master’s from the university, enrolled at K-State as a track and field walk on. He quickly earned a track scholarship during his first year as a sprinter. The mile relay team that he was a part of set indoor and outdoor school records in 1971. In 1972, he was a part of the indoor NCAA distance medley relay team that placed second in the nation and earned All-American honors.
While Heggie completed his master’s degree in higher education, he served as an assistant track coach for sprints and relays at K-State. He became the first African American to serve in that position at the university. He was inducted into the K-State track and field Hall of Honor in 1995.