What were you doing before you came to the National Forum?
I was working as Communications Director for a startup non-profit in the San Francisco bay area called New Scholars.
What made you decide to come to the University of Michigan?
It was always my goal to enroll as a student at U of M. Getting accepted into the #1 Higher Education program was just the icing on the cake.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your work at the Forum?
My favorite pastime activities are watching football and reading 20th century American literature.
What is an interesting fact about you that people may not know?
My 29th birthday is scheduled to come one day after the Mayans predicted the world to end – cake will probably be wasted.
Read more about Omar in his bio.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Virginia, but I am liking Michigan a bit more everyday.
What is one thing you are interested in regards to higher education?
I am interested in learning about other people, what they are doing, what they want to be doing, and how they plan to eventually get there.
In your time at the Forum, what are you excited to explore/execute?
A way for the Forum to define itself and its role in serving society’s public goods. Writing funding and research proposals offers a mechanism for us to make that case to prospective partners.
What is your idea of the perfect vacation?
Spending time with my family either on Lake Michigan, in the suburbs of D.C., or in the Roanoke Valley.
What made you decide to come to the University of Michigan?
I first came to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education, as well as an M.A. in Organizational Psychology. I returned in 2000, because this seemed like the best place to establish my vision for a research-driven advocacy organization focused on higher education in society.
Why did you elect Organizational Psychology for your area of study?
I chose Organizational Psychology because I have always been interested in how decisions are made, how leadership is expressed, and how institutions influence their environments.
What is something that is rewarding to you day-to-day at the Forum?
I always enjoy watching colleagues come into a greatly expanded view of their own potential, and seeing them gain the confidence to step out and lead.
What do you enjoy to do in your spare time?
I love to garden. I never thought I would and I only took it up about 10-12 years ago. But the whole process is full of both metaphor and mystery. It also tires me out, which sometimes can be good.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I love the people I work with at the National Forum, I really do.
Read more about John in his bio.
©2011 The National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good
Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
