India, June 20 -- With the rise of the transfer portal and NIL era in college sports, schools have increasingly turned to former NBA players for front-office-style leadership roles.

The latest example is Kendrick Perkins, who is set to join the Jackson State Tigers, a prominent HBCU program, in an official capacity as part of the athletic department, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

In addition to his responsibilities with the basketball program, Perkins told ESPN on Friday that he will also be involved with the university's broadcast and journalism department, expanding his role beyond athletics.

"I'm thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community," Big Perk told ESPN.

Perkins collaborated with...