William Manning (Student)

William Manning currently reigns as Mr. A&M-San Antonio. But before donning the crown, Manning lived a life that was anything but royal.

Hailing from Washington D.C., Manning moved to Texas in elementary school. Following a tough childhood, Manning quickly realized the pursuit of higher education would be his pathway to success and the opportunity for a fresh start.

During his first semester of college in Houston, Texas, Manning was shaken to his core when his mother and father died merely months apart. After taking the necessary time away from school to tend to family matters, Manning returned to San Antonio with no home to call his own.

Homeless and without parental guidance, Manning remained determined to complete his bachelor’s degree. Living out of his car, Manning enrolled in a local community college while working two jobs.

“I remember having to freshen up in the sink before work because I didn’t have access to a shower,” Manning recalls. “It was definitely a humbling experience.”

In the midst of homelessness, Manning found the time to start a nonprofit organization—Kings Care—which was created to foster the development of young professional leaders in the San Antonio community. He wanted to pay it forward and give the youth of San Antonio what he never had.

In 2014, Manning was recognized by the Obama administration for his nonprofit work and received the President Volunteer Service Award.

Manning transferred to Texas A&M University-San Antonio in 2016 and has big plans to leave a sizable Jaguar print before he graduates.  In addition to serving as Mr. A&M-San Antonio, Manning also helped launch the Men’s Basketball Club. He is also active in several student organizations and hopes to assist in bringing the University’s first historically African-American fraternity to campus.

“These legacies will continue to contribute to the University community long after I graduate and become a proud alumnus,” says Manning.

Manning plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in spring 2018, followed by a fervent pursuit of a doctoral degree in psychology.

“I know the field of counseling will allow me to have a great impact on a large amount of people,” he says. “The knowledge I will acquire in school will assist me in improving the mental, emotional and physical health of those in need.”

Q: What has been the best part of serving as Mr. A&M-San Antonio?

A:  “The memories you make with the people you meet along the way. I've had lunch with the Mayor and some of the most influential people in the city.  I've celebrated Fiesta with thousands of people, and I was able to speak to, and inspire youth to pursue their goals.”