Vincent Kirkwood’s accolades, achievements and awards are extensive, impressive and growing just as fast as his dreams to accomplish more.
He joined Cleary’s faculty in 2019 as an adjunct professor, but soon, as his robust resume exhibits, he accepted a full-time associate professor position teaching sports promotion, management and marketing classes. As his thirst to do more in the classroom and for his community intensified, Kirkwood became Director of Sports and Entertainment with Americares, working to build business relationships with athletes, entertainers and businesses – all to impact positive, inclusive change.
The spark that really ignited Kirkwood’s desire to impact the community – which led to his “40 under 40” honors by Crain’s Detroit Business. was when his wife told him she was pregnant with their first child. When this happened 10 years ago, “I decided I no longer would just deliver lip service. I was going to help my family and my community every way I could.”
He sent one email that had a snowball impact. His goal to improve his community of West Bloomfield with an idea he had, quickly became a reality. Conversations with business leaders led to Kirkwood founding the West Bloomfield Diversity Task Force. Today, three years later, the task force has grown to 75 volunteers, year-round events, and “a force to be reckoned with,” he says with excitement. “When our team gets together, the creative ideas (to make the community more inclusive and equally represented) flow!”
Kirkwood especially enjoys bringing his real-world experiences into the Cleary classroom. Through his countless career accomplishments, he shares best practices, business and community challenges, successful problem-solving strategies and effective leadership tools.
Kirkwood grew up in Southfield in a family of eight kids (his father was a USPS letter carrier and his mother was a school teacher), graduated from Berkley High School in 2004, and completed a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications and Public Relations, and a master’s degree in Sports Administration, both from Wayne State University.
His resume provides a mere glimpse of his career strides by the young age of 38.
Take a look:
- Sports Subject Matter Expert for Oxbridge by WorldStrides at Columbia University and Barnard College – a recently accepted position
- Sports and Entertainment Director for Americares since 2023
- Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of West Bloomfield since 2018
- Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Business to Consumer Events at MRA Mobile Experiential Marketing for 11 years
- Assistant Professor at Wayne State University, Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sports Studies since 2021; Adjunct Professor in Sports Marketing from 2014 to 2021
- Board of Trustees for the Coleman A Young Foundation since 2016
- Executive Director of Playworks from 2022 to 2023
- Professor at Cleary University since 2019
- Marketing Instructor at Baker College
- Group Events Coordinator for the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Current candidate for Trustee for the City of West Bloomfield
Kirkwood is excited to say he was invited to serve on the 2024 NFL Draft Sub-Committee and was on site for the entire NFL draft festivities helping with program events. “I appreciated the inclusion efforts between the city and its residents and how much focus was placed on diversity, equity and inclusion for everyone coming into the city for draft activities,” he reports. “Having an opportunity to share my insights and make a small impact on such a big event was rewarding, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This gives me even more to share with Cleary students,” he adds.
Shortly after joining Cleary’s faculty, Kirkwood received the Inclusive Educator Award, which recognizes an instructor for inclusive leadership, innovation, dedication and excellence. He was recognized for enhancing diversity and inclusion within the Cleary community and making sure every student feels welcomed.
“I’ve dedicated my career to improving the quality of life for residents of my community as well as the students I teach,” he notes.
“Through my education – as early as elementary school – I learned the importance of valuable communication skills, community advocacy, healthy play activities and their benefits socially and emotionally, and celebrating diversity. Now, as a husband and father, I hope to serve as a role model for my two children so they can continue carrying my torch. I sit on the sidelines today enjoying the sports they play – soccer, swimming and basketball – and one day, I expect to be their mentor on the sidelines as they grow into strong, inclusive leaders. I can’t wait to go along for the ride!
“I tell my students, ‘don’t just talk about what you want to do in your life, do it! Start!’ I sent one email three years ago, and it led to a huge positive impact on the community where I live.
“Your future is an untold story, I tell my students. Time will tell what opportunities are ahead for you. Your path will take you where you need to be. Just start!’”
