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Michael Daniels is the director of the Student Multicultural Center (SMC) where he has the opportunity to make a difference on campus and continue the legacy of those who came before him. Daniels, who has worked at 51�Թ��� since 2015, previously served as the program coordinator as well as assistant director for the SMC and was recently awarded the President’s Award of Distinction for his success with the programs and initiatives offered by the SMC during a global pandemic.

Learn more about Daniels as he answers these 10 questions.

How do you describe your current position?
In my position, I am able to continue the legacy of the amazing leaders that came before me while having the opportunity to develop new and creative things with a phenomenal team of people during a very interesting time in higher education. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Timothy Moore, who just passed away. The work he did here at 51�Թ���, for everybody, was pivotal in a lot of things that we have at the Student Multicultural Center. I think about him and how I am able to continue the legacy as the director.

How did it feel to receive the President’s Award of Distinction?
My reaction to being awarded the President’s Award of Distinction was both honored and humbled. I recognize that I have had the privilege to have the support of a strong village during my five years at 51�Թ���. One of my biggest supporters that allowed for this recognition to be possible is my wife, Angelique Daniels [associate director of Student Success Programs]. She does so much to care for me and our family, so that I can care for our students. I am forever indebted to her for her love, support and encouragement. Working in the Student Multicultural Center, putting it lightly, has been a blessing like no other. I could not imagine this accomplishment being possible without having such amazing people to work alongside for the past five years.

What is a fun fact about you?
I love dad jokes but people know that I’m corny, so that’s not much of a secret. I’m also a photographer, I love taking family portraits, preferably outside. I enjoy candid event photos as well.

What are your favorite parts of campus?
I might have a bias in this regard, I’ve taken this photo every year since I’ve been here. It’s a picture of Risman Plaza and the K that I take from inside the Student Center. I take it during the fall, and it’s a beautiful picture because the leaves are changing and the sun is shining. It’s so biased because you only get that view if you go near the SMC and the Campus Tour Center.

What is your favorite thing about working at 51�Թ���?
The students, easily. That’s why this year has been so difficult. There are so many things that I’m thinking about that the students don’t get to do this year, and it breaks my heart. But I don’t let it get to me as much because I know that our students are resilient, phenomenal and are making it work because that’s what I know our students to be. The students give me the fuel to do it. They are the reason I’m in this field.

What is a motto that you live by?
Gandhi’s quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” That’s a quote I often reference.

What has been your favorite project/initiative that the SMC has worked on?
It’s tied between the SMC Leadership Institute and the Male Empowerment Network (MEN). I don’t think it is a secret that I am extremely passionate about supporting and developing our young men of color. The thing that made me take the role of the program coordinator was that I found out it had an initiative for men of color, and I knew the history of that initiative. I knew I wanted to be a part of that and make it into something amazing. After I was here for a while, I realized how passionate I am about leadership development. That’s why I care so much about our young men because I want to give them an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. All those things around leadership, time management, their identity as a leader, and that part of you that makes you feel like “wow, I’m really able to make a change or influence something.” The SMC Leadership Institute is something that I actually helped create.

What has been the most rewarding part of your position so far?
Watching students walk across the stage at Karamu, especially the students that talked about dropping out at one point or got to their wit’s end, but they persevered. I’ve seen them struggle when they come into my office needing someone to talk them into believing in themselves when it’s hard for them to see the end. That’s super rewarding, and I know I don’t have everything to do with it, there’s a ton of people that pour into the students. There are plenty of people here that have an influence on their success. Having just a piece of their journey, knowing that I contributed to their success, makes me happy.

What are ways students can get involved with the SMC during this time?
Students returning next year can sign up to be a Kupita Trancisones leader. We have the Mindful Mentality series for student leaders to focus on their mental health and well-being, and to hear from other student leaders who might have similar struggles and challenges right now. We also have MEN and Sister Circle, and we will be opening applications for e-board positions this upcoming fall that will be paid positions. MEN has a 10-year-anniversary docuseries that’s going to be shown twice a month with six episodes total starting in February. We will have discussions with the showings, and that is open to everybody, no matter how you identify. We have a ton of stuff throughout Black History Month, the calendar is up on the website if people are interested in checking that out. For students of color graduating, we do plan to have a celebration in May. It’s going to be non-traditional in a sense, but we will recognize fall, spring and summer graduates.

Where do you hope to see 51�Թ��� in the next 10 years?
I hope that we continue to work on uprooting systems of oppression and making this space welcoming and inviting for all by really addressing the history of this country in a way that’s constructive, so that students can feel affirmed when they attend each and every one of our campuses. I also hope we find ways to make college a lot more affordable, I hate hearing that students are struggling financially. I know 51�Թ��� is one school, but if anybody can do it I think we can, we’ve been finding a lot of ways to change the access points for school when it comes to financial issues.

For information on the Student Multicultural Center, visit /smc.