Black leaders
CMU man honors community mentors
“My Black heroes are not just mine. I found out very quickly how important these individuals were for other students of color, the Mt. Pleasant community, and also all CMU students who crossed their path.”
— Jonathan B. Glenn
During a pandemic-limited Black History Month, one Alma man - who has grown up admiring the contributions of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks decided to take a different approach.
Jonathan B. Glenn, who is assistant director for the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute at Central Michigan University, used his Facebook page to pay tribute to his own heroes, the Black leaders who have made a difference to him and to so many others in the mid-michigan community and beyond.
“Everything I’ve done at CMU is founded in the mentorship that has assisted to my overall success,” Glenn said. “In August 2002, I walked on the campus of CMU as a transfer student from Delta College and I met several powerful individuals who aided me on my journey. I am who I am today because of their mentorship, guidance, and dedication to Black students.”
Glenn, 40, who is also chaplain to the CMU football team, is one year away from earning his own doctorate degree.
“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to develop new methods to create a more inclusive and diverse climate, including planning and assessing large scale events/programs as well as developing new opportunities that enhance the cultural competency of faculty, staff, and students,” he said.
Throughout his month-long project, Glenn has heard from scores of others who shared his admiration, appreciation and respect for those who made a difference in his life.
“My Black heroes are not just mine,” he said. “I found out very quickly how important these individuals were for other students of color, the Mt. Pleasant community, and also all CMU students who crossed their path.”
Glenn credits those leaders with motivating him in his life and studies, but also in carrying on the important work they exemplify.
“My current position also allows me to work with students in the capacity of mentor, assisting them in matters that increase their academic and social success while navigating a predominantly white institution,” he said.
At the jump is a list of those mid-michigan leaders:
Dr. Diane Newby
Entering the College of Education in 2005, I realized quickly, I was the only Black man in all of my courses. I had no issue with navigating my classes, but it wasn’t until I had Dr. Diane Newby, I realized what I was missing. Dr. Newby was everything to me while learning to be a middle school teacher. She answered all my questions, called on me in class to address difficult situations, and she demanded excellence from me.
My peers complained about how hard she was on the class, but I loved every moment of it. She was the teacher I wish I had for all of my courses at CMU. Dr. Newby cared enough to pull the greatness out of every student she encountered. She prepped and prepared me for student teaching, and I left her course feeling confident I would succeed as a teacher.
Dr. Nikita Murry
For several years Dr. Murry has served Central Michigan University - for seven years, in Public Relations and Marketing, and as an adjunct professor for additional six years. Today, she serves as the director of Diversity Education.
I met Dr. Murry first during my undergraduate time at CMU. Even then, she was supportive and made every effort to make sure I felt at home. During that time, I ended up finding out she knew a lot of my family in Saginaw. This just made me feel closer to Dr. Murry. During my professional time at CMU, Dr. Murry returned as the director of Diversity Education. Once again, her presence made me feel more at home. Dr. Murry has brought an awareness of social issues, and has been a place where students of color, and staff, can voice their opinions and find resources for support.
Since her return, Dr. Murry has been very invested in me. She checks in on my doctoral journey, she checks in on my mental and spiritual health, and she also provides opportunities for me to grow professionally. Dr. Murry brings a sense of hope for students of color. She provides a place for them to speak and ask for help. To be honest, without her initiatives, I’m not sure how some of our students would have dealt with the political and racial climate of 2020-2021.
Dr. Vincent Mumford
For 15 years, Dr. Mumford has served CMU through the Physical Education & Sport and Sport Management Program. His amazing teaching style and ability to motivate his students doesn’t explain all of whom Dr. Mumford is. Dr. Mumford is an encourager. Dr. Mumford is a genuine human being who has continued to receive recognition for his amazing work. He has received the Michigan Campus Compact Faculty/staff Community Service-learning Award, the American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Award, the Volunteers are Central Award, and the Outstanding Mentor of the
Year Award.
For the five years we have known each other, Dr. Mumford has continued to challenge me and encourage me throughout my professional journey. Without a doubt, he cares about my future.
Every time we see each other, Dr. Mumford greets me with a big smile, and he continues to check in on my doctoral progression.
Damon Brown
For over 20 years Damon worked hard for Central Michigan University in several roles. Although Mr. Brown worked in several roles, one of my favorite memories was his leadership over IMPACT.
IMPACT is an interactive two-day program focused on mentorship and making strong campus connections, and from it’s beginning, Mr. Brown made sure IMPACT was a place students of color could call home. Through his leadership, IMPACT gave incoming Black freshmen and