Davenport University’s Rashid Faisal, department chair and associate professor in the College of Urban Education, has been named a 2026 Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence honoree.
Faisal, whose commitment to improving education and advancing culturally responsive educational practices has been widely recognized, was chosen for his outstanding leadership and dedication to educational excellence. He is one of 50 exceptional honorees chosen this year for their leadership and commitment to service.
The awards will take place on June 18 in Detroit.
“I am incredibly proud of the work Davenport’s College of Urban Education is performing to address the teacher shortage impacting urban schools and schools across the state of Michigan,” Faisal said. “This award, in part, recognizes the college’s strong commitment to community engagement and partnership development. In particular, it acknowledges our outreach efforts working collaboratively with Pre-K–12 schools, community colleges, museums, libraries, literacy advocacy organizations and other community-based institutions.”
The Men of Excellence Awards is presented by the Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media. It recognizes African American men in Southeast Michigan who inspire others through excellence, vision, leadership and community service. During its 18-year history, the program has honored more than 900 influential leaders in business, faith, education, politics and community service.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. Faisal for this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Richard Pappas, Davenport University president. “His commitment to addressing Michigan’s teacher shortage exemplifies the transformative impact that university faculty can have on our communities and our state. Through innovative research, meaningful partnerships and a deep dedication to preparing the next generation of educators, he has helped advance solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing our schools today.”
For more information about the Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, visit MichiganChronicle.com.
To see a recap of the awards ceremony, click here.
Share This Story!
Davenport University’s Rashid Faisal, department chair and associate professor in the College of Urban Education, has been named a 2026 Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence honoree.
Faisal, whose commitment to improving education and advancing culturally responsive educational practices has been widely recognized, was chosen for his outstanding leadership and dedication to educational excellence. He is one of 50 exceptional honorees chosen this year for their leadership and commitment to service.
The awards will take place on June 18 in Detroit.
“I am incredibly proud of the work Davenport’s College of Urban Education is performing to address the teacher shortage impacting urban schools and schools across the state of Michigan,” Faisal said. “This award, in part, recognizes the college’s strong commitment to community engagement and partnership development. In particular, it acknowledges our outreach efforts working collaboratively with Pre-K–12 schools, community colleges, museums, libraries, literacy advocacy organizations and other community-based institutions.”
The Men of Excellence Awards is presented by the Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media. It recognizes African American men in Southeast Michigan who inspire others through excellence, vision, leadership and community service. During its 18-year history, the program has honored more than 900 influential leaders in business, faith, education, politics and community service.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. Faisal for this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Richard Pappas, Davenport University president. “His commitment to addressing Michigan’s teacher shortage exemplifies the transformative impact that university faculty can have on our communities and our state. Through innovative research, meaningful partnerships and a deep dedication to preparing the next generation of educators, he has helped advance solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing our schools today.”
For more information about the Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, visit MichiganChronicle.com.
To see a recap of the awards ceremony, click here.
Share This Story!
Stay connected!
Get the latest Davenpost News delivered to your inbox!
Related Stories
For Aniesha Loupe, choosing to attend college was intimidating. It took courage. As a first-generation student — a term for [...]
Davenport’s Health and Science Pre-Professional Student Organization assembles over 2,000 pre-packaged meals for Feeding America West Michigan. Students in Davenport [...]
This story coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. Two years ago, Davenport University welcomed a very special employee to campus, [...]
Latest Stories
Davenport University is introducing two innovative business degree pathways this fall that give students more affordable and flexible options for [...]
This story is one in a series about Davenport saving students time and money Davenport University is expanding access to [...]
Davenport University and Hurley Medical Center have launched a corporate partner scholarship program designed to expand educational opportunities while supporting [...]


