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The Black Male Scholars program is specifically designed for students who identify as Black/African American men. Throughout the Fall and Winter semesters, students have the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, and student peers to create meaningful and authentic relationships that support their academic, cultural, and emotional well-being. Students are exposed to programming that enhances their university experience with the ultimate goal of improving academic success, retention, and successful completion. Bottom line... WE EXIST TO HELP YOU GRADUATE! You can find the registration form at the bottom of the page.
All meetings are 5:30p-7:00p, in Kirkhof Center 2215-2216
Fall 2024 Schedule
- September 12: Welcome Back Meeting
- Speaker: Derrick King Director of Athletic Inclusion at Grand Valley State University
- September 26: Alumni Panel - Career Fair Prep
- October 3: What Does It Take To Succeed? Career Fair Prep
- Speaker: Jon Covington, Radio/TV Host, Film Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Community Leader
- Speaker: Dr. Kyle Boone, Director of Housing and Residence Life
- October 24: Financial Responsibility
- Speaker: Ollie Howie, New Community Transformation Fund Manager
- Speaker: Cabdulqaadir Ciise, Sr Software Engineer @ DLN Integrated Systems Inc.
- November 7: - Mental Health Conversation
- Speaker: Dr. Andre Fields, Licensed Psychologist, Counselor, and Professor at Grand Rapids Community College
- Speaker: Michael Bell,
- Speaker: Dr. Forrest,
- Speaker: Representative from University Counseling Center Latrece McDaniel
- November 21: African American Male Achievement Conference
For questions and more information, please contact Phillip Todd at [email protected].
What Current Students Are Saying
Antonio Green
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration
Graduation Year: 2025
Testimonial: “Being a part of Black Male Scholars has propelled my college career in a way that I never imagined. Going into my freshman year of college, I lacked the skills needed to be successful in the college atmosphere. I originally did not feel the need to indulge in an environment where socializing, networking, and connections are keys to gaining success, especially at a PWI. Upon joining Black Male Scholars, I quickly realized the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who look like me striving for excellence at a school where excellence was not made for us. Now, I am the President of the NOTORIOUS Iota Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and lastly I am a GVSU Student Senator serving on the DEI+B Committee at Grand Valley State University. I am truly grateful for my experience in Black Male Scholars and I hope that I can contribute in any way, shape, or form post-graduation.”
Sebastian Daughty
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Graduation Year: 2026
Testimonial: "BMS was the first organization I joined, and it helped me adjust to college, motivated me to be the best student I can be, and provided professional opportunities whenever they were available. The people in this organization are passionate about reaching as many brothers as possible to help them be successful. You'd be stupid not to join"
Xavier Plair:
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations
Graduation Year: 2026
Testimonial: "Being in Black Male Scholars has pushed me to want to be better as an individual, change certain habits, and be around others who like to grow and reach their full potential. I’m thankful for Phill and all of the connections, guest speakers, and opportunities that have been presented at GVSU. One thing that was always emphasized is the importance of a man’s mental health. Black Male Scholars was and is like therapy, allowing everyone to express what they are going through or how they felt at the time. Black Male Scholars has taught me how to be professional in my career field and the importance of reaching certain goals in the workspace. Overall, Black Male Scholars has pushed me to be better and become a man."
Marshall Broom
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2027
Testimonial: "Black Male Scholars had a significant impact on my first year of college. They provided an outlet to discuss my problems and receive feedback on how I could improve my skill sets for a better college experience. Furthermore, it offered me opportunities to get more involved at GVSU as a Black student, including meeting people from NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers)."
Musa Dove
Degree: Bachelor of Science in International Business
Graduation Year: 2029
Testimonial: "Without Black Male Scholars I would not be able to travel the world and build my dreams, point blank period. The wisdom and guidance given by Bobby and Phillip and my peers allowed me to grow my own communities (Digi). Through Black Male scholars.I was able to get internships and paid opportunities by utilizing the group laid out in front of me that propelled me to build and grow my own ambitions. I am thankful for all the connections I made and the experiences and of course the meal I get to share with my brothers every Thursday."
Abdul Ciise
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Masters of Education in Higher Education with an emphasis on College Student Affairs Leadership
Graduation Year: 2023 & 2025
Testimonial: "Black Male Scholars changed my life. I was just another student trying to figure things out, feeling disconnected from campus and everything going on around me. Then, Black Male Scholars found me. I was walking to drop off a letter when I ran into Phillip Todd. He talked to me and asked about my life simply because I was a Black male student on campus. He then told me about Black Male Scholars, and I found a community of brothers who genuinely cared about graduating and becoming their best selves. Black Male Scholars is the place to be if you are a Black male at GV."
How BMS Has Helped Past Graduates
Tevin Shackelford
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Finance and Operations Management
Graduation Year: 2017
Occupation: LPL Financial Advisor at MaxWealth Management at Lake Michigan Credit Union
Testimonial: "Black Male Scholars gave me examples of successful black males in the workforce. Coming from a family of blue collar workers and being a first generation college student, Black Male Scholars exposed me to the importance of networking. Fast forward from leaving Grand Valley State University, I have used the principles I learned to navigate the work force as a black male in a predominetly white space to become the second highest producer at our organization and be able to give back to those looking to advance their careers. Lastly, Black Male Scholars taught me the value of education and it is what pushed me to work on my masters, and obtain my CFP designation."
Dogan Copeland
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management & Masters of Education in Higher Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership
Occupation: Graduate Assistant for Oliver Wilson Scholars Program at Grand Valley State University
Graduation Year: 2023 & 2025
Testimonial: "Black Male Scholars helped me by showing me that it’s possible to succeed in higher education. The support of current faculty members, previous graduates, and community members demonstrated that many people are committed to the achievement of Black students in college. This motivated me to add myself to that pool."
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Jalen Gipson
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration, BBA & Master of Business Administration
Graduation Year: 2019 & 2026
Occupation: Capital & Advisory Solutions at JPMorgan Chase
Testimonial: "Black Male Scholars provided me with a brotherhood and support system that helped me thrive both academically and personally. The program's mentorship and resources, along with the friendships made along the way, were instrumental in shaping me into the successful professional I am today. I am forever grateful for the BMS experience and highly recommend it to any young Black man seeking a supportive community and a path to success at GVSU."
DeMarcus Turnbough
Degree: Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems & Executive Masters of Business Administration and Management
Graduation Year: 2017 & 2025
Occupation: Network Engineer at Grand Valley State University
Testimonial: "I believe Black Male Scholars was an essential part of me being able to graduate. From the advisors that were involved to the brothers that I met and friendships that I made going to the meetings. I thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to attending BMS meetings, it allowed me to feel a sense of community at GVSU."
Devoren Wesley
Degree: Bachelors of Business Administration & Masters of Business Administration
Graduation Year: 2019 & 2026
Occupation: People and Culture Business Partner at Viasat Inc.
Testimonial: “Being a part of Black Male Scholars provided an amazing opportunity to get to know and network with other Black males at both Grand Valley and within the local Grand Rapids community. Black Male Scholars prioritizes the success and well-being of its members and offers numerous professional and personal development opportunities and resources. These include connecting with Black males who are leaders in their industries, voicing concerns and making significant impacts on the Grand Valley community, and providing necessary attire for professional engagements. This support network and these resources have significantly shaped my college experience and laid a strong foundation for my professional career.”
Gloire Rubambiza
Degree: Bachelors of Science in Computer Science, Masters of Science in Computer Science, & Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
Graduation Year: 2018, 2022, & 2024
Occupation: NSF NRT Digital Plant Science Fellow at Cornell University
Testimonial: "The Black Male Scholars program made me realize the importance of community in navigating college, especially when pursuing a degree where one is usually one of a few, if not the only one. I always looked forward to our biweekly meetings because we had inspirational black figures speak to us, we had very thought-provoking conversations on black identity in America led by folks like Bobby or MarcQus, and I found new friends/mentors through the program - both within my field and beyond that prepared me for college life. Whether it's Bobby's program to get us fitted with nice suits to wear to a scholarship dinner, or finding a black barber among us who could give me a cut off-campus, etc. It was also nice, as I got into my senior years, to start acting as that resource for other black males. That openness to mentorship and acting as a mentor has impacted my professional career because I am able to influence young minds both formally (e.g., advising Master's students projects) and informally (e.g., chatting at dinners with junior Ph.D. students and undergrads at the ACM Richard A. Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing conference)."
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