Michael M. Andrews, Ed.D

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and seasoned by his time in Germany as an army brat, Mike brings a blend of urban tenacity and global perspective to everything he does. After earning his undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology at James Madison University, Mike continued at JMU to obtain a Master of Education in College Student Personnel Education. This set the stage for a dynamic career dedicated to enhancing educational access and championing the needs of underserved students and families.

In the early years of his career, Mike worked across various settings including public and private educational institutions, nonprofits, and governmental agencies, focusing on college access and counseling. His commitment to education and community advocacy led him to co-found the Coaction Collective with four passionate and phenomenal partners. “CoCo” aims to empower communities through innovative, collaborative strategies for systemic change in education and community engagement.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Mike hosts "The Idea of Manhood," a podcast where he delves into the complexities of manhood from his unique perspective as a husband, father, educator, writer, MC, and hip-hop culture enthusiast. The podcast serves as a platform for exploring and redefining masculinity through a blend of personal insight and cultural commentary.

On March 22, 2024, Mike defended his dissertation, culminating in a Doctorate of Education in Education Policy and Leadership from American University, which he will officially receive on May 11, 2024. His doctoral research focused on the roles, challenges, and contributions of Black fathers in family-school partnerships, employing photovoice and affinity-based focus groups to challenge stereotypes and enrich the discourse around their integral role in educational settings.

With a life and career that are as much about fostering understanding as they are about initiating change, Mike continues to impact the fields of education and community engagement, advocating for a deeper, more inclusive approach to understanding the narratives that shape our society.