Winston C. Doby - Early Life

Early Life

His mother Laura taught him a creed about always remembering to do the right thing, which he carried for his entire life. His history with UCLA began in the 1950s when he was a track and field city champion from Fremont High with plans to attend Compton College. However, his track coach, Bill Thayer, was a UCLA alumnus who thought differently. Thayer, aware of Doby's athletic talent and academic prowess, drove him to UCLA during the last week of school, urging the coaches to award him a scholarship. His only request was that Doby come back and teach for 3 years before deciding what he wanted to do with his life. Nearly a lifetime of service later, Doby made an indelible impression in education and at UCLA as one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the entire UC system.

He received three degrees from UCLA: a bachelor’s in mathematics, a master’s in education, and a doctorate in higher education administration. Then in return, he gave back to the school that provided his education. He was the driving force behind building the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, the Tom Bradley International Hall, and the renovation of the John Wooden Center.