By Jennifer Jentz
William Penn University
Darren Cotton will tell you that back in high school he could have been described as “some weird wrestler guy.” That is not the case anymore. Nowadays, Cotton is one of the most recognized faces on the William Penn campus with his southern charm and outgoing personality.
Cotton is a senior majoring in communications with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business management. At Penn, he is involved in University Fishing Organization (UFO), Delta Beta Phi fraternity, InterVarsity, wrestling, intramurals and the Communications Club.
He was recruited by Head Wrestling Coach Gary Garvis to come to Penn on a wrestling scholarship and has proven his weight in gold as a letterwinner holding the school records for career wins at 118 and season wins at 41. Cotton has also been named as an All-American three times and won the NAIA Champions of Character in 2006.
Cotton’s many accomplishments are something he can be proud of for a long time and he credits Garvis for the opportunities he has had here.
“A lot came from my first conversation with Garvis and if I had known back then what I would accomplish, I probably would have been too scared to accomplish it,” Cotton said.
Garvis can tell many stories about the fine examples of leadership Cotton has demonstrated across the country, including the NAIA 2005 national finals where after losing a match in front of thousands of people, Cotton helped raise the victor’s arm.
“Cotton has been a great ambassador for William Penn throughout the nation. He is known and respected from coast to coast,” Garvis said. “Coaches and leaders from universities throughout the country have made positive comments about him, and as a result, about Penn.”
His leadership is not just in athletics. Cotton is also known for his spiritual leadership. He has been invited to pray at several NAIA tournaments and events, and is involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on campus. His close relationship with God developed during his senior year of high school, which led him to a realization of his purpose in the world.
“I know where God wants to lead me,” Cotton said. “My theory is if God put me there, no one can remove me.”
While he hopes to continue in roles of leadership, it has not always been easy for Cotton. A learning disability has caused him some struggle in pursuing his education, but it is something he has worked hard to overcome through reading. Specifically, reading spiritual and inspirational books. Cotton holds a great amount of respect for Dr. Lonny Wilson, business administration division chair, who has played an influential role in Cotton’s education.
“Dr. Wilson’s class was awesome,” Cotton said. “His teaching helped me build a foundation in my life. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Dr. Wilson describes Cotton as an outgoing, pleasant young man and appreciated Cotton’s contributions in his class.
“He was determined to succeed, even in a challenging environment,” Dr. Wilson said. “His participation in class was thoughtful and well-grounded in ethical consideration. He also displayed natural leadership traits such as assertiveness, emotional stability, and achievement orientation.”
As graduation approaches in May, Cotton describes his future as filled with many plans. He hopes to one day be financially secure with a good job, a family, and recognized as a noble leader. Wherever life’s path may lead Cotton, it is unlikely he will ever forget his experience at Penn or the accomplishments he has achieved here. It is even more unlikely that the William Penn community will ever forget the beloved southern charm of Cotton.
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