A native of Washington, D.C., Deon Rhode has resided in Charleston, SC for nearly 20 years. He graduated from Claflin University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and continued his education at Florida A&M University, earning a Master of Public Heath degree.

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Deon embarked on a quest to visit every historically Black college in the country starting in April of 2016. As of October 2022, he has made it to 78 schools, and earned his two HBCU degrees during that process. It was through this journey - the countless positive experiences, the passionate and dedicated faculty he encountered on each campus, etc. - that the Epic HBCU Journey Distance Learning Scholarship was born.

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Outside of work, Deon is a dedicated husband and father, and is active in his community through various fraternal and service organizations. A life member of Kappa Kappa Psi - National Honorary Band Fraternity, he serves as president of the ΚΚΨ Low Country Alumni Association. He also serves in officer positions in Saxon Lodge #249, Lily Chapter #134 OES, and a local chapter of the Knights of Pythagoras Youth Mentoring group. Deon is an Ordevian (Member of Rdevia) and active donor to our charitable mission.