Damein Greatheart

Professor of Computer Information Systems, Livingstone College

Native of Cherryville, NC

Industry: Higher Education

Damein Greatheart made an easy transition to Salisbury from his hometown of Cherryville when he came to Livingstone College as a student athlete. “I liked Salisbury immediately,” he says. “I love the small city vibe. Rowan has everything a city needs — food, entertainment, and attractions.”

He sees Rowan as a place that is true to itself, beautiful in its attractions and life. To Damein, that’s what makes the county original and fit with the county slogan, “Be an Original.”

After his undergraduate years playing football for Livingstone, he left Rowan for graduate school at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and was happy to be hired at Livingstone after earning his graduate degree. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. at Livingstone and volunteers with the Thelma Smith Foundation South Branch, a national organization with a mission to keep families together through Education. 

Fraternity members volunteer with several community projects such as street clean-up in the Livingstone area, fund-raising for the March of Dimes, and work at Rowan Helping Ministries. Also, as a member, he serves on the State Board of Education for his Fraternity. Recently, he became a member of the Board of Directors of Crosby Scholars Rowan, which helps middle and high school students plan for college.

The many parks in Salisbury-Rowan are a big part of his life, especially Dunn’s Mountain Park, where he recommends the hike that will take a newcomer to a rooftop view looking out over the city of Salisbury. He also enjoys fishing and walking at Salisbury Community Park on Hurley School Road and the new Bell Tower Green in downtown Salisbury. “The views at night with Bell Tower Green lighted are amazing,” he says. “It’s a great area for relaxing and it looks amazing for the city.”

Vibez Lounge, for its food, and Go Burrito are his favorite restaurants. Go Burrito is a great venue for nighttime activity, he says, and also has a great menu and the rooftop dining looks out over Bell Tower Green. 

The Cheerwine Festival is his favorite event. “It’s a great event for families, and I love drinking Cheerwine,” he says. 

In addition to visiting Rowan County parks, he would recommend that newcomers take a walk in downtown Salisbury, taking in the restaurants, ice cream shops, bakeries, wine shop, and Escape Central, another favorite of his. “Rowan County has gems and history to explore and beautiful landmarks to visit,” he says. “Take the time to explore and you will enjoy the life Rowan has to offer.”