

Seize the Day: Enaris Inman
FEA
TURE
Enaris Inman’s life journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and unshakable determination. Born on May 14, 1991, in Jacksonville, Florida, to A.B. and Edith Inman, his story is one of transformation—from a curious young boy who embraced cultures through travel to a seasoned leader in higher education. Enaris’ upbringing in a Christian household, with parents who have been pastors for over four decades, laid a solid foundation for his values. However, the dynamic between him and his three older siblings, with a 12-year gap, shaped his personality and perspective in unexpected ways. As the youngest, he grew up surrounded by a wealth of family experiences that would forever inform his outlook on life.
Friday nights were sacred in the Inman household. Those evenings were dedicated to simple, yet profound moments of togetherness. With each sibling choosing a movie from Blockbuster, the family would gather in front of the television, reveling in the joy of each other's company. These moments instilled in Enaris the importance of family—a principle that would later guide his personal and professional life. His childhood was further enriched by a formative trip to France, where, at just ten years old, he spent three weeks immersed in the French language and culture. It was an experience that not only nurtured his curiosity about the world but also helped shape his academic and professional path.
The trajectory of Enaris’ academic life reveals his relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Earning a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Central Florida in 2014, he followed this with a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 2021. His commitment to furthering his education led him to pursue another Master of Education, this time in Educational Leadership, in 2023, and he is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership. His passion for education is not only theoretical but applied. As the Campus Director of Daytona State College's New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater campus, Enaris serves as a leader, advocate, and mentor, guiding students through the challenges they face in their academic careers.
Enaris’ professional accomplishments speak volumes about his work ethic and passion for education. In 2024, he was honored with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to higher education. His career has been marked by many firsts, including being the first Black male to earn a Master of Education in Educational Psychology at Florida Atlantic University. His work in education has spanned over a decade, and throughout this time, he has remained steadfast in his belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunities, especially for those from underrepresented communities.

There is nothing more exhilarating than taking the risk. Take the trips, do the "things," love, lose, and love again.
Community involvement is an essential part of Enaris' identity. He has been a dedicated member of Christ Dominion Church of Orlando for 15 years and is an active participant in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he has held various leadership roles. His commitment to the community extends to the City of Edgewater, where he serves on the Economic Development Board and is involved in multiple committees focused on workforce development and education. These contributions reflect his desire to give back and create lasting impact in the lives of those around him, particularly in the Southeast Volusia County area.
Despite his impressive career, Enaris has faced significant challenges that have tested his strength and faith. In 2018, he lost his closest sibling unexpectedly. This devastating event, coupled with a series of personal struggles, including a pending eviction and the repossession of his car, pushed him to the brink. In those dark months, Enaris relied heavily on his faith, which became his anchor during the storm. Though at times he felt broken and uncertain, Enaris emerged from this period with a renewed understanding of the importance of resilience and the power of community support. His experience taught him that adversities will come, but it is how we respond that defines us.
In his professional life, Enaris emphasizes the value of relationships—whether with family, colleagues, or students. He approaches his role as Campus Director with a focus on building community partnerships and supporting students through life’s challenges. As an adjunct professor teaching "Managing Your Success," he imparts the lessons he has learned throughout his life, offering students valuable tools for navigating their own educational journeys. His approach to leadership is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to seeing others succeed, no matter their background.
Looking toward the future, Enaris is determined to continue growing both personally and professionally. He aspires to further develop his expertise in education while continuing to advocate for students facing adversity. He dreams of starting a family of his own and becoming an even more active community leader. Above all, Enaris remains guided by his core values: family, faith, peace, and adventure. His belief that life is for seizing, for taking risks, and for embracing the unknown has led him to pursue opportunities with vigor and excitement.
In his personal life, Enaris finds solace in the arts, particularly music and cooking. Whether playing the piano, leading praise and worship, or experimenting with new recipes, these activities offer him a creative outlet to unwind and recharge. His love for chocolate, Marvel comics, and his 14-year journey of growing his locs are just a few of the quirky details that make him uniquely Enaris. Despite being an introvert at heart, he has developed a presence on stage, hosting events and performing, finding joy in connecting with others in his own way.
Enaris Inman’s story is one of triumph, heartache, and growth—a narrative defined by resilience and a deep-rooted commitment to family, community, and faith. From his humble beginnings in Jacksonville to his current role as a respected leader in higher education, Enaris has proven that life’s greatest challenges are the ones that build our character. His journey serves as an inspiration for all those who dare to dream, seize the day, and navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and tenacity.
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