10 Within 10 Recognition

LaMarcus D. Howard '09, M.A. '12

Majors: Social work, educational leadership

Job title and employer: Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center

Current city and state: Bellville, MI

Hometown: Flint, MI

What is your favorite memory of CMU?

Participating in the Academic Career Empowerment (ACE) Program as an incoming freshman. The ACE program was a six-week, intense summer academic boot camp designed for conditional admits and administered by Multicultural Student Services (MSS). As a fresh 18-year-old from Flint Northern High School, I had no clue what was in store for me. However, dedicated MSS staff taught me what it took to succeed at CMU academically and socially. I met lifelong friends who I call my family in the ACE program, and we still laugh about our experience to this day.

What has been your coolest moment since graduation?

In 2014, the CMU Organization for Black Unity (OBU) created an award in my name for their annual Black Males Rock Ceremony. The ceremony highlights the accomplishments of exceptional black males on the campus of CMU. The LaMarcus D. Howard Man of the Year Award honors a black male who exhibits exceptional leadership skills on and off campus. It has been an honor to have OBU dedicate the most prestigious award of the ceremony in my name.

What are you proudest of?

I have been truly blessed to have amazing individuals in my life who love and support me. I am also very proud of my three wonderful nephews and four godsons. Everyone who knows me knows these brilliant young black boys and men bring joy to "Uncle Markie," and I love witnessing and supporting their dreams and aspirations as they come to life.

What advice would you give to new grads?

Be patient and trust the process. Life is truly different once you leave good ol' Mount Pleasant and enter the "real world." However, please know everything happens for a reason, and the Lord will not give you more than you can handle. Have faith in the plans you create, execute them with precision, and trust that your successes and accomplishments will come in due time.

What has your work life taught you?

As a former graduate student who worked full-time and received two promotions in four and a half years during my doctoral pursuit, I have learned to appreciate the challenges life throws at me because they make me stronger. It's taught me to enjoy the family and friends in my life who make me happy and to live life like there is no tomorrow.

What about CMU helped you succeed?

CMU took a chance on a first-generation black boy with decent grades from Flint Northern High School. Statistically, the odds were stacked against me not only drop out of high school but college as well. However, CMU has invested in me since the seventh grade as a participant and graduate of the GEAR UP Program, allowed me to prove myself academically in the ACE program, and enhanced and challenged my leadership skills as a participant in Leadership Safari. And all of this occurred before I ever stepped foot in a class during my freshman year. CMU took a chance on me, and it paid off for both of us!

10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update

Current city and state: Durham, North Carolina

Current job title and employer: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at North Carolina Central University

What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?

That I would move out of the great state of Michigan to receive my dream job of being an Assistant Vice Chancellor in North Carolina!

When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind?

Evolving.