Keith Russell "Mister" Jennings, former All-American basketball player at East Tennessee State University and NBA player will be the keynote speaker at the Free Will Baptist Family Ministries' P.A.T.H. Academy's graduation on May 29.

The graduation ceremonies will be held at Family Ministries' Greeneville campus, starting at 6 p.m.

Jennings, a point guard, attended East Tennessee State University from 1987 to 1991 and spent three seasons in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors, playing in 164 games. He also played professionally in France, Russia and Turkey.

While at ETSU, Jennings was one of the most popular players ever and won the 1991 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, given to the most outstanding collegiate senior six feet and under. He also led the NCAA Division I that year in three point goals, shooting 59 percent.

Jennings joined the staff at his alma mater as a graduate assistant coach for the 2007-08 season while he completed his degree. He had left ETSU for the NBA with several college credits required to earn a degree and has now acquired his degree.

"This is a talented young man that understands the importance of education in his life after athletics," said Dr. James Kilgore, President and CEO of Family Ministries. "We hope he will be able to share that understanding with our young people who are embarking on life after high school."

Jennings will be head coach at Tennyson High School in Hayward, Calif. in the coming academic year.

The P.A.T.H. Academy is provided by Family Ministries for children and youth who have serious behavioral problems and/or academic deficits that prevent them from functioning successfully in a public school setting.

Held on campus in the Jackson-Tolle Learning Center, the academy provides a comprehensive assessment that serves as the basis for the development of an individualized educational plan.