Berry, a journalism professor and resident of Dearborn, graduated from Wayne State University as a public relations major. He was also a professional actor and did some television work.

“After I graduated, I found out PR people usually work for newspapers,” he said. “But I didn’t want to work at newspapers, so I went into the ‘Advertising Red Books’ and sent my cover letter and resume out to 30 agencies in Detroit.”

After three rounds of interviews at Meldrum & Fewsmith Advertising for an account executive position, the agency decided to hire the other candidate for the job. But the executive secretary accidentally sent the acceptance letter, signed with a salary, to Berry.

“So the Friday before the Monday start date, I got a call, ‘Oh Mr. Berry we’ve made a terrible mistake, but hey, we have positions open in the creative department,’” Berry said. “So I ended (up) in the creative department and became a staff producer and writer there.”

Later, one of the receptionists from that agency got a job at a bigger agency, now known as Leo Burnett.

“She called me and said, ‘They’re looking for a writer, get your ass over here,’” he said.

After a long career in advertising, Berry decided for another change of pace. After guest teaching one time at CMU, he became an adjunct professor while still working full-time at Young & Rubicam in Dearborn. Berry stopped working in advertising and became a full-time professor the next semester in the fall of 2008.

Overall, Berry said he has had an interesting career.

“I lucked my way into my first, schmoozed my way into my second, worked my way into my third, then had a full-time career thrown into my lap at Central Michigan University,” Berry said.

Berry is the adviser to the CMU Ad Club and was also the driving force behind the recently passed advertising major. He was also listed on this year’s Central Michigan Life bucket list as item #47: “Take a class with Doug Berry.”

“My basic approach to students tends to be different than other people,” he said. “I view them as me when I was their age and I was a good person and some ways I was very mature and some ways I had growing to do.”

Many students have said Berry is one of their favorite professors.

“I think that in his classes, you felt you were learning stuff you would need in a real-life setting,” said Kendall Boyle, a West Bloomfield Township senior. “Even his lectures are interesting. I just thoroughly enjoyed all of his classes that I took.”

Berry will be leaving CMU after next May, and though he has no set plans, he said he has some books he would like to finish writing.

“He’s my favorite professor, and I think without him, the advertising department wouldn’t exist,” said Canton junior Jackie Denomme. “He has the best experience. He’s just realistic with you and very respectable. He teaches you without talking down.”

Bay City senior Kyah Dubay said Berry's career experience is an asset in the classroom.

“I love that his teaching experience came from his professional experience and everything he has to say is directly applicable not only to class, but real life,” she said. “I’ve never met a professor so enthusiastic and passionate about having his students succeed. I worship the ground he walks on.”