LITTLE ROCK — As a mother, Natasha Gittens has raised her three children to break down each decision process into sections, using the analogy of a pie.
After visiting Arkansas with one of her sons, Arizona junior college tight end Blake Jackson, during the April 15-17 weekend, she believes the Razorbacks provide the tools necessary for a student-athlete to be successful.
“For me, the academic section of the pie was there for me,” said Gittens, who has a doctorate in business administration and teaches marketing at Lamson College in Tempe, Ariz. “The follow through for the athletes were there. The commitment of the school to not only select quality players but to make sure they have the support and the experience that’s going to make them viable employees was also there.”
Jackson, 6-4, 230 pounds, 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Scottsdale Community College, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Miami, Pittsburgh and Texas Tech while drawing interest from Texas A&M , Nebraska and others.
Gittens was impressed that Carole Shook, an instructor in the accounting department from Arkansas’ nationally-recognized Sam M. Walton College of Business took time to speak to the prospects and their parents during their trip.
“To see them take the extra effort to have someone from the department to speak to the students and give a presentation said a lot tome about their commitment to students.” Gittens said.
She also praised Eric Wood, the UA assistant athletic director of student-athlete development, for his program to prepare athletes for the world beyond college.
Gittens is looking for a school that will build upon the life lessons she’s taught her son.
“What I’m looking for is a school that’s going to contribute to that child being independent,” Gittens said, “and gaining the tools they need so they can be leaders and be an example for others and take what I’ve taught him and make me proud.”
Gittens praised offensive line coach Chris Klenakis’ recruiting efforts of her son and caring for his future.
“I think he’s consistent. He’s committed,” Gittens said.
“It’s easy for people not to show their giving, loving, compassionate side and I think he’s genuinely a good person at the core. There’s no question.”
While on the visit, Gittens said she was impressed by the professionalism of the Razorbacks coaching and support staff, crediting Coach Bobby Petrino’s leadership.
“Every great leader, select staff personnel that represents who they are,” Gittens said.
“It’s evident that he’s a great leader because a great leader has great people around them.”
Gitten’s knows about being a leader. She formed Natasha’s Valley Sophisticates &Charities while a resident of the Phoenix area to help underprivileged youth. In 2009, she teamed up with Dillards department stores in Arizona to help aid kids with a program that allowed customers to receive a discount on a future purchase for a donation.
“My charity was able to gather probably 5,000 pairs of blue jeans that were donated to the Boy and Girls Club of Phoenix,” Gittens said. “We also donated a scholarship to a community college student that was for a single parent mother.”
Gittens believes her son’s raising will allow him to make an informed college decision.
“Blake is not only my son, but he has become my best friend, too,” Gittens said. “I have done everything in my power to give all three of my children a 150 percent.”
Should her son become a Razorback, Gittens is on board with the decision.
“Not only am I 100 percent on Arkansas,” Gittens said. “I’m also considering opening up a business in Arkansas.”
In addition to Blake, Gittens has an 18-year-old son, Tyler, that will attend Arizona State in the fall and a 17-year old daughter, Acqueline, that also plans to attend Arizona State in 2012. But that could change.
“If Blake selects Arkansas, she may be going to Arkansas in 2012,” Gittens said.
“I’m definitely looking at some entrepreneur opportunities there and also supporting my son and being a member of the community and possibly doing something for disadvantaged children.”
E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]
Sports, Pages 29 on 05/01/2011