HFC welcomes Eddie McClendon, Detroit Promise Coach

Whether at the P-12 level or in higher education, advocating for students has been Eddie McClendon’s calling.

“Teaching and uplifting young adults is my passion. Although college students are adults, they still need guidance, mentoring, and testimonials from people who were once in their shoes,” said McClendon, of Royal Oak.

Access to coaches in real time makes a difference

McClendon recently joined HFC as one of two new Detroit Promise Campus Success Coaches, along with Maria Lopez-Mauricio.

“Eddie has great experience in education and athletics that allows him to reach students in a unique way,” said Reco Spencer, Detroit Promise Program Coordinator. “He is charismatic and passionate. He understands and supports the purpose and goals of the Detroit Promise program."

The Success Coach is McClendon’s first role in higher education. Prior to coming to HFC, he worked as a physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director in Chicago for 20 years. At HFC, his duties include:

• Providing individualized outreach to students based on academics, financial circumstances, mental health, and other factors to help them navigate college successfully.
• Referring students to campus resources for additional outreach and support.
• Being “a dot connector” to help students navigate college life inside and outside the classroom.

Founded in 2016, the Detroit Promise ensures that any student graduating from any high school in the city of Detroit will have a tuition-free path to an associate degree or technical certificate. The City of Detroit pays for your tuition and fees, as long as you meet the requirements. (It does not cover living or incidental expenses). The program is administered by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with colleges like HFC. The College has been a proud participant in the Detroit Promise since the beginning. More than 600 Detroit Promise students attend HFC, which is the largest Detroit Promise enrollment of any college.

“The advantages of Detroit Promise are DP students have access to coaches in real time while on campus,” said McClendon. “Detroit Promise isn't just a scholarship, it’s a program that offers students a space to connect with their peers, step outside of their comfort zones, confide in and build relationships with their coaches.”

Communication and collaboration

Born in Ann Arbor, McClendon is the sixth of seven children. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and communications from what is now the University of Olivet. He later earned his master’s degree in sports industry management from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He aspires to earn his Ph.D. in higher education within the next 5 years.

“HFC offers great education to its students, and the College is also a great place to work,” said McClendon. “As I researched and asked questions, I learned that many people have been employed for years here. That shows me it’s a great work environment and a place to advance in your career path. The best part about working at HFC is the staff and students. Everyone I have come across has been open to communication and collaboration.”

The joy of building confidence in students

One of the greatest challenges McClendon faces is students who drop out of HFC due to impulse, frustration, or embarrassment without talking to him.

“Some students ‘ghost‘ you, and it's very hard to reach them to have a strategic conversation about their decision,” said McClendon. “I want students to know that there’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, whether it's academics or life. We’ve been in your shoes. Talk to your career coach or your advisor before you drop out of college. We’re here to help you, not judge you. We want you to succeed.”

Fellow Detroit Promise Success Coach Delphine Davis, alias “Coach D,” expressed her admiration for McClendon.

“Eddie is a great communicator,” said Davis. “Even though some of the students who come into our office are working with another coach, Eddie doesn't hesitate to bring the joy of caring into the atmosphere by sharing real life experiences that build their confidence.”

For McClendon, the best part of his job is building a rapport with his students.

“I enjoy watching them grow academically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. Being able to witness a student who has been struggling academically or personally bounce back is a pure joy for a coach, because we were right there rooting for them all along,” he explained. “It's not the comeback stories that are always sweet; it’s witnessing a student who might be academically intelligent but not socially outgoing, yet they manage to step outside of their comfort zones and get job offers, enter into new relationships, have better relationships with their families and friends, and so on. Testimonies like those are the best part of my job.”