Alumnus uses OU skills to support, mentor community

As a professor at Mott Community College, leadership consultant, community mentor, and a sought-after public speaker, alumnus David McGhee brings the skills he learned at Oakland University to individuals in his community. 

“Discipline, dedication and determination are the words that describe my overall learning experience at OU,” McGhee said. “Furthermore, these skills define the rich history of the institution as a whole. This has been my recipe for success, and I credit that to OU.”

While at Oakland, McGhee wanted to succeed in order to help others. “I was motivated to stay on track, complete my degree, and establish myself in such a way where I would be able to assist the next generation,” he said.

McGhee earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration and public policy from Oakland and holds a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. 

After his 2005 graduation from OU, he interned for Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Afterward, he returned to Flint to become a mentor and program director for Flint’s Big Brothers Big Sisters 100 Men 100 Boys Program.

“Mentoring isn’t something that’s nice, it’s necessary,” he said. “If you know someone who has accomplished something that you want to accomplish, overcame something you desire to overcome, or is currently doing things you can see yourself doing one day, reach out to them and let them know you are a potential mentee who is ready to learn.”

McGhee was honored last year at the Oakland University Alumni Association’s Alumni Awards Banquet when he received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Additionally, McGhee has been recognized by the City of Flint, Salem Housing Community Development Corporation, Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. He was also featured in the 2012 issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

As a public speaker, McGhee has appeared at Oakland’s Keeper of the Dream Celebration, TedxDetroit, University of Michigan- Flint, and throughout the community in schools, churches, and organizations. He speaks about overcoming adversity and achieving individual and community goals and helping others do the same. He writes about perseverance on his blog, McGhee’s Manifesto.  

 
Most recently, McGhee contributed to the National Urban League's 2013 State of Black America Report, “Redeem the Dream.” His essay, “Mentoring Matters: Why Young Professionals and Others Must Mentor,” draws from his own work and experience in the community. The entire book can be viewed online here.  

Oakland University is a vibrant academic community with nearly 20,000 students and more than 260 degree and certificate programs. To learn more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news site at oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at @OaklandU_News.