‘Men of Change’ male mentoring initiative helps students prepare, offers guidance

Eric Reed is looking to change the color of his future profession in health administration.

The Lathrup Village senior is one of a few black undergraduate students at Central Michigan University and on a national level to make up minorities in Health Administration.

Reed was paired with health sciences instructor Dr. Dale Sanders in a mentoring program at CMU called “Men About Change.” He said Sanders sets an example for future students.

“Eric is beating the path on a new beginning (and is) being a leader in the department,” Sanders said.

As a mentee, Reed said he learns necessary skills from Sanders to help in his future profession.

“Somebody that looks like me is teaching across the room (and) is an inspiration for me that I can make it,” he said.

The group

MAC was initiated in fall 2007 by Minority Student Services. The program pairs male students in beginning class levels — those of any race or age — with other students, faculty and staff members.

The program has about 50 mentors and mentees that meet biweekly to discuss leadership skills, academic growth and personal and professional development through the program. Volunteer opportunities are available for participants.

One goal of the group is to increase retention rates and male campus leadership. Jonathan Glenn, MAC director and Minority Student Services graduate assistant, said he wants his guys to be ready for the future.

“We are giving them tools to survive as a man,” Glenn said.

Reed first joined MAC in 2007 and said Sanders has helped him grow.

Sanders attests to the change in Reed and said his growth through the group is aspiring and a point of pride.

“He was definitely an introvert in my early exposure to him,” Sanders said. “I look at him now and see he has become such a leader across the campus.”

Lester Booker Jr., interim assistant director of MSS, is a mentor for the group and said it is a good opportunity to excel and connect.

“It is about being real with one another,” Booker said. “Bringing down all the walls and allowing each other to better one another.”

Okemos junior Jeff Balthazar is a mentee and said group members seek to uplift each other.

“Men from all different types of backgrounds can come together to better themselves and learn to better their communities,” Balthazar said. “As a black male, I see myself as a success. I’ve made it out of my particular situation and have been afforded an opportunity that is irreplaceable.”