Bettye Avery Fields

Almost no one has more team spirit nor has displayed more love for Dear Mother than Bettye. Bettye was a Golden Lion Cheerleader from 1965 – 1969 and has continued to demonstrate her school spirit by advocating, donating her time and money to Dear Mother for the last 50 years.

“We must support and nurture our institutions. They will become what we invest in them,” declares Ms. Fields.  She recounts very fond memories while cheering for the football & basketball teams.

Bettye recalls cheering for some very competitive football and basketball teams during her time. The fans and student body would come out in large numbers to support the Golden Lions– filling the bleachers of Hazzard Gymnasium and Pumphrey Stadium (now the Pumphrey Soccer Complex). During certain rivalry games, fans would often show up two hours prior to gametime in order to get their desired seating.

Being a cheerleader on “The Yard” was definitely a fun and exciting time for Bettye as she recounted how the cheerleading squad would gather near the Bell Tower and the fish pond in front of the Student Union to hold pep rallies prior to games. These pep rallies helped to galvanize the student body and fan base making for great turnouts and participation during gametime.  “Today we must galvanize the alumni, community and student body to ensure that UAPB/AM&N survives and thrives,” stated Ms. Fields.

Bettye who was also a Freshmen Debutante, lettered as a cheerleader,  and she was an Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart. Bettye is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa Educational organization.

During her junior year, she married Carson Fields. Carson was a member of the UAPB baseball team from 1964-1968, UAPB Vocational Instructor and he served as UAPB golf coach 1972 – 1978 and 2007- 2015.  He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.