Overcoming Crossroads

After years of studying, Renique Kersh, Ph.D., CAS ’99, wavered from health to higher education, mirroring the compassionate careers of her Oakland University mentors. A prospective students of color event initially drew her attention to OU, but the buzzing community confirmed her university choice. Dr. Kersh blossomed with the guidance of university leaders, including Glenn McIntosh, senior vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer, and David Herman, former dean of students.

Kersh (far right) performing for the non-Greek step show in 1996

“Growing up, I was always interested in leadership and how leaders paved the way for others,” Kersh says. She seamlessly weaved into student leadership roles: Offi ce of Equity mentor, Upward Bound Program paraprofessional, orientation leader, resident assistant and Delta Sigma Theta member.

But when her undergraduate time dwindled to an end, Kersh could not bear to part with the community she had fostered. “I didn’t know what path to take, but I did know I loved being on a college campus,” Kersh says. “I loved being around students and building a community.”

With three years under her belt and medical school on her doorstep, Kersh sought out Herman, looking for guidance again and permission to stray from her meticulously planned course. At that moment, she was enveloped with “kindness and direction,” and her choice became clear. “I said, ‘how do I get your [Herman’s] job?’ He told me I could get a master’s degree, and so I decided to change my major,” she says.

Kersh with her mother after accepting the Keeper of the Dream award at Oakland University in 1997-98

In her senior year, she changed her major to communication and took 48 credits in the year, 24 credits more than the minimum for a full-time student. Kersh still graduated in four years, swiftly moved onto a Master of Education and then a Doctorate of Philosophy in community health.

“This wasn’t the path I’d thought I’d be on, but it was the right path — that’s for sure.”

Now a seasoned higher education leader herself, Kersh guides students as vice president for student affairs at Simmons University in Boston. “I always tell my students now that I exemplify the classic major changer,” she says. “You’re still learning how you fit into the world in college. I changed my major multiple times, but I ended up on the right path.”

Kersh strives to be a leader that always listens and leaves room for students’ voices to be heard, following in her mentors’ footsteps. As the tables reverse and Kersh leads students now, she still admires McIntosh’s work from afar and stays in touch with Herman for additional guidance and gratitude.

“It’s been a great journey,” she says. “And I wouldn’t be here without their initial guidance.”