Neverson- Anyjah Heatley, III
Overcomer | Survivor | Polymath
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What’s in a Name?
Neverson
The name Neverson ultimately originates from the Gaelic word "Naoimhin," meaning "little saint". In New York City there was a number of communities where Irish and Black communities intertwined. I wonder if my grandfather was a product of such after we all moved from the South
Heatley, III
I was originally named Turner which was my mother’s married name to a man I never met. The more I bonded with Clarence Heatley and my father, Neverson, Jr. I decided to take my father’s name when I was able and did so during college. My son has picked up my name, making him Neverson Heatley, IV and it’s a very proud thing for me to have life experience with Sr., Jr., and IV.
"Heatley" is an English habitational surname derived from Old English words meaning "heath" or "heather" and "leah," a "woodland clearing". The name originally referred to individuals who lived in or came from one of several places in England, such as Heatley in Cheshire or Staffordshire.
Anyjah
In 1997 my girlfriend, Niecey* was pregnant with our daughter. She wanted to name her Anyjah. Probably for the best, she opted for abortion, but I carry Anyjah’s name with me and in my heart daily.
Legacy
Clarence “Preacher” Heatley is remembered as the leader of the Preacher Crew, a Harlem-based organization that held sway in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His name became part of the city’s criminal history, tied to narcotics, extortion, and violence. To the public, he symbolized the dangers and consequences of life in the streets at that time.
Yet for his nephew, Neverson, Clarence embodied something more complex. Behind the reputation and notoriety was a man who stepped into the role of a father figure. He drew a clear line between his own choices and the future he envisioned for his nephew, insisting that education and discipline—not the street—would be the path forward. In conversations and in action, he made sure that schoolwork, responsibility, and self-belief stayed at the center of his nephew’s life.
That contrast became a compass. By witnessing the life Clarence had lived, Neverson understood the cost of the streets; by receiving his encouragement and protection, he saw the possibility of a different outcome. It was Clarence’s firm guidance that turned focus away from quick survival and toward long-term achievement.
Today, those lessons endure. The discipline to work through challenges, the resilience to stand after setbacks, and the conviction that knowledge is the surest form of power all trace back to Clarence’s influence. His legacy is not only the story told about him in Harlem’s history, but also the story of the life he helped shape—one that chose classrooms over corners, and opportunity over limitation.
. . . in Brief
Neverson Heatley III is a higher education leader and scholar dedicated to advancing academic excellence, student success, and institutional innovation. With a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo, he brings both scholarly rigor and practical leadership to the complex challenges of today’s universities.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Heatley has served in pivotal academic and administrative roles at institutions across the United States and abroad. His record includes shaping policy as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Florida A&M University College of Law, advancing equity in student conduct at Southern Illinois University, and driving accreditation and program development for the University of the People. Internationally, he has led faculty and curriculum development in Colombia, preparing students for success in global and national examinations.
His scholarship and practice consistently center on equity, inclusion, and performance. He has designed early-detection systems that improved student outcomes, created restorative justice programs that reduced disparities, and produced research on minority enrollment in law schools. His administrative leadership reflects a clear dedication to fostering environments where faculty and students of all backgrounds can thrive.
Today, as Associate Editor of the Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, Dr. Heatley continues to connect global perspectives with the deeply rooted mission of education in service of community.
Guided by the legacy and future of historically Black colleges and universities, Dr. Heatley seeks to lead institutions that honor tradition while innovating for tomorrow—bringing people together, leading with purpose, and preparing graduates to meet a rapidly changing world with vision and courage.
Recommendations
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I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Neverson as an outstanding educator. Throughout our professional association, I have witnessed Neverson's exceptional qualities as a teacher, marked by his passion, humility, advocacy for students, student-centered approach, and collaborative spirit. Neverson's passion for teaching is evident in every lesson he delivers. His enthusiasm for the subject matter and commitment to student learning are infectious, inspiring students to engage deeply with the material. He consistently goes above and beyond to make his classes not only informative but also exciting and relevant, fostering a love of learning in his students. One of Neverson's most remarkable traits is his humility. Despite his extensive knowledge and expertise, he remains approachable and open-minded. . .
Cristina Mancheno
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Anyjah was my doctoral candidate at the University of Florida. He was an active participant in my courses, consistently contributing to discussion concerning trends in Higher Education. He served on a number of committees for the College of Education, including the search for an Associate Dean. He has shown a strong commitment to diversity, focusing on the study of minority enrollment in law schools. Towards that end, he has shown great adaptability and resilience, having overcome a number of hurdles towards the completion of his doctorate and I am glad to have been able to help him realize that goal. I believe Anyjah's background in law will make him a great administrator at the University level, one that can lead with empathy and has the tools to competently use data and research to guide decisions.
Dale Campbell, Ph.D.
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Neverson-Anyjah Heatley, Ill was an instrumental in helping me balance academics and student leadership at Florida A&M University College of Law. As a student, I had the chance to work closely with him when I was president of an organization. He was always ready to lend a hand and offered valuable guidance that made our group flourish. His dedication to helping students like me navigate both academic and personal challenges was seriously impressive. His know-how in everything from organizing events to providing practical career advice was invaluable. Not just a fantastic advisor, but also a mentor who truly cared. Neverson is one of the most passionate I know regarding education. Any university would be lucky to have him. I couldn't recommend him more!
Dorrissa Griffin, Esq.
Apple Music Replay
Apple Music Replay at times feels like a snapshot of who I’ve been and who I’m becoming. The songs here aren’t just background noise—they mark chapters, routines, even whole seasons of my life. Some tracks I’ve played on repeat until they etched themselves into memory, others surprised me by showing up again years later. Others are from Teyana Taylor who I find absolutely stunning.
It’s not a perfect picture, but it’s honest: the soundscape I’ve built over time, one listen after another.