Dr. Cleamon Moorer Jr., Dean of the College of Business of Baker was named one of BE Modern Man’s 100 Men of Distinction for 2017. Here is his interview with the publication.
Name: Dr. Cleamon Moorer Jr.
Age: 40
Profession: Dean, College of Business & Editor in Chief of PURSUIT, the official magazine of the Baker College System
Social Media: Facebook: @DrCMoorer | Twitter: @DrCMoorer | Instagram: @dr.c.moorer
One Word That Describes You: Presidential
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
Enterprise by nature and definition is a challenging and difficult undertaking. Black Enterprise provides encouragement, empowerment, enrichment, education, and vitality for the betterment of the global community. It is a tremendous honor to be a member of this distinguished, esteemed class of men of color especially considering all of the adversity that I faced and overcame in my career.
What are you doing as a BEMM to help support black male achievement now or in the future?
My wife, Nicole, often reminds me that this is certainly my calling as the father of our four young boys. I am a BIG in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Detroit and I am board member of BBBS Greater Flint, Beyond Basics Inc., and Macomb County Habitat for Humanity. Through our not-for-profit organization, Dr. C. Moorer & Associates Inc., we provide scholarships to students and grants to K-12 educators.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
I flunked out of GMI-Kettering University in 1995. I was readmitted in 1996 and later returned as a professor in 2013. It was an amazing accomplishment to share faculty ranks and spaces with professors who once had to submit failing grades on my behalf. I totally went “From Failure to Promise: 360 Degrees.”
How do you ordinarily impact?
I aim to inspire, influence, and impact (impart legacy) in all of my interactions with others. I often achieve this goal by working with others (mentees, colleagues, and subordinates) to brainstorm sound solutions or paths to achieve optimal goal attainment.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Authenticity. I appreciate when others comb back the layers of persona to allow their true selves to emerge and to engage in dialogue, interaction, and activity.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I am in pursuit of a college/university presidency. Additionally I am working on a new book, titled Pursue Promise: Success is Not Enough, based on my 2016 TED talk: Pursue Promise.
What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice that I ever received came from my father: “Son, don’t stop on the hill, go all the way to the mountaintop.”
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Start with self. Defy obstacles and boundaries by following this simple principle: “One often has to do what they have to do in order to do what they want to do. However, if you only do what you want to do then you will never do what you have to do.” Making a difference only comes by way of pushing, doing, and going … even when you don’t feel like it or want to.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I envision my desired outcomes of the meeting or event by making a list of points to guide a strategic conversation after much prayer, rest, and research in preparation for active listening, learning, and dialogue.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
I unwind on vacation with my wife (just the two of us) or with our family (the six of us) by not counting calories and indulging in the food and beverage culture of that particular region. Other guilty pleasures include sleeping far past noon and exploring some of the resort’s nightlife activities. Convincing Nicole to stand with me on the front of the ship that sails the Niagara River facing the Falls is the most memorable experience to date.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I plan to travel to Rwanda and spend time meeting with survivors and descendants of the Rwandan Genocide. I want to understand the panacea of forgiveness, resolve, and explore a framework for global corporate social responsibility to alleviate poverty and to eradicate genocide.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Thank you, Black Enterprise. This is a distinction that makes my family very proud. Additionally it further realizes some of the hopes and dreams that my late mother, Mrs. Dorris Jean Moorer, and my late father, Mr. Cleamon Moorer Sr., held deeply in their hearts and minds for me.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the first-ever Black Men XCEL Summit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.