Anderson University College of Education and Call Me MiSTER graduate Kamin Bond was recognized with the 2025 BOLD Educator on the Rise award. The award recognizes Bond’s dedication to his students and his commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the basketball court.
Bond, a 2023 graduate who is a middle school math teacher and head basketball coach at Beck Academy in Greenville, was recognized during the annual BOLD Celebration in Education February 10 in Greenville. BOLD Leadership Network is a nonprofit organization made up of a collaborative group of Black male school leaders whose goal is to make a positive impact in the community.
“To have someone in the community see something in me that I’ve been doing the work I’m passionate about—it was an honor,” he said. In addition to this award, Bond was blessed to be nominated this past August for the GSC First-Class Teacher Award.
Though homeschooled for much of his education, Bond wanted to teach in a public school setting where he feels he can impact young lives in the most meaningful ways. Teaching seventh grade math, he is committed to building an engaging, safe and positive culture in his classroom and developing in them strong critical thinking skills that will serve them well in life.
“I believe that developing a strong work ethic is important in helping this current generation of students,” he said.
Bond shared the simple joys he obtains from walking into his school every day. Seeing the character development, observing the academic progress and creating amazing memories with these middle schoolers is what it is all about for Bond. He shared that it was his mission to stay locked in for his students’ sake and be a daily dose of a positive light that will never dim.
As a student, Bond received from the Anderson University College of Education the Teacher Candidate of the Year award. He also received the Call Me MiSTER Distinguished Service Award at the conclusion of Camp iRock, a summer educational camp for elementary school students.
Being in the Call Me MiSTER program at Anderson University was transformational for Bond.
“Call Me MiSTER was really impactful for me I would say,” Bond said. “Something that’s big about Call Me MiSTER is the brotherhood and leadership training but also staying on mission and staying on focus… I know that I’m there for these kids, I’ve been trained up to stay locked in on my ‘why.’”
“Kamin was an outstanding student and leader at AU, so it comes as no surprise to us to see him recognized for his work as he lives out his calling as an educator,” said Anderson University College of Education Dean Dr. Mark Butler. “The Call Me MiSTER program is an exceptional program designed to support and mentor young men as they prepare to impact their communities, and Kamin is the realization of those aims as a role model, a professional and an outstanding mentor now himself.”
Call Me MiSTER was created to increase the availability of African American male educators from diverse backgrounds, offering tuition assistance to undergraduates who are largely selected from underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities. Details about Call Me MiSTER at Anderson University can be found online here.
The Anderson University College of Education
The Anderson University College of Education focuses on the intellectual development of the student while being attentive to the ideals of character, servant leadership and cultural engagement. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, onsite or online. Details can be found here.
