Mark McCloud

Hometown
Martin, TN ()
Quick Intro
Dr. Mark McCloud is the Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Mark has 28 years of experience which includes financial services, K-12 schools, mental health, non-profits, and higher education. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UT Martin. He also has a Master of Arts in Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Personnel Services and a Doctorate in Higher Education, both from the University of Mississippi. Currently, he serves as the managing partner of Mark McCloud Consulting, a business dedicated to team building, leadership training, and keynote speaking. He is committed to organizational and cultural change. McCloud is a nationally recognized educator, change agent, and motivation speaker and has appeared on regional and national media outlets. He is a proud life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Inc., and the Martin Rotary Club. His philanthropic interests include St. Jude, the Komen foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. When not working, he enjoys jazz, community service, and spending time with his family. McCloud believes success is the combination of faith, aspiration, and perspiration.

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Mark McCloud

Meet Dr. Mark McCloud

Dr. Mark McCloud earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a M.A. and Ed.D. in Higher Education for the University of Mississippi. He joined the Board of Advisors in the Fall of 2024.

Learn More About Dr. Mark McCloud

What led you to want to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors?

Ole Miss has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. I just want to be able to give back and support future generations in theirs.

Why did you choose to attend UM and the School of Education?

The Masters Program I choose was recommended by a friend. The courses seemed to be interesting, the hours fit my professional work schedule, and the financial assistance helped make it affordable.

Tell us about your favorite professor(s) at the School of Education? How did they make a positive impact on your professional and personal pursuits?

Tim Letzring- He was my first professor in Masters Program. He was an excellent teacher. He supported me in every way. He was an advocate, encourager, and did all he could to ensure my success. When I taught my first classes in Higher Ed, I patterned myself after him. He was my blueprint. I even modeled his style of teaching, until I developed my own.

Whitney Webb-From day one she was a nurturer. Always encouraged me to give more. She saw my greatest potential before I saw it.

Amy Wells Dolan- She was tough as nails, with a tender heart. At my lowest moments academically, she was there to push me to keep the faith. I never planned to give up and she never was going to let me. She literally cried with me when I was broken and discouraged and cried with me in joy when I completed my doctorate.

Phillis George- She was excellence at it's best and still is. She always pushed me to higher heights, and greater growth both personally and professionally. She encouraged me never to settle, but to continue pushing, reaching, and striving.

Tell us about your proudest moment in education.

So one of my favorite students at Ole Miss was football standout Defensive Tackle Jerrell Poe. After he completed my class we developed a friendship. He left school early to go Pro in the NFL. We kept in touch over the years, and I tried to encourage him to complete his education. I had doubt that he would. Well years later we both graduated on the same weekend. I was hooded on Friday with my doctorate, and he received his bachelors on Saturday. It was a special weekend to share with my friend and former student.

Do you have any advice for our current students?

Dream big. Work hard. Never give up. Always give back...