Michael Daniels, Ph.D., director of the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center (the Moore Center) at Â鶹ľ«Ńˇ, had one of his dreams come true by being honored in the .
The “40 Under 40” annual program by Crain’s Cleveland Business recognizes some of the best professionals making a difference in Northeast Ohio.
“It’s cool to be recognized amongst an industry of people doing amazing work like this class was,” Daniels said. “I truly believe this is the group of people who will be the shakers, movers, and leaders of tomorrow in Northeast Ohio and probably beyond.”
The celebratory event occurred on November 20, 2023. Daniels mentioned he enjoyed meeting the other honorees and hopes to connect, partner, or collaborate with some of them.
Lamar Hylton, Ph.D., former senior vice president for the Division of Student Life at Kent State, was an honoree of Crain’s 40 Under 40 class of 2021 and helped Daniels gather his information to complete the nomination.
In a photoshoot by Crain’s Cleveland Business, Daniels took a picture fixing his bow tie to pay homage to Hylton, who did the same pose during his photoshoot. “I wanted to demonstrate that I appreciate his support and that he was a past honoree,” Daniels said.
This honor was not the only one Daniels received in 2023. He also received the Dissertation of the Year Award in April, the Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future Award in September, and the TRIO Award from the Regional TRIO Conference in November for being an outstanding distinguished alumnus.
“2023 was one of the most amazing years of my life,” he said. “It was the most that I’ve ever been recognized for my work. I also recognize that I don’t do it by myself.”
Daniels mentioned he has an amazing team of people who support him. He added that from his dissertation chair to his supervisor and from his mentors to his team at the Moore Center, he does not think these accolades would have been as “sweet” if it were not for the people around him.
“These aren’t just awards. They represent really hard work, sacrifices, and an amazing village of support,” Daniels said. “None of this would have been possible if God didn’t bless me with the gifts [of being] around the right people and give me the passion that I need to complete a purpose that he put on my life.”