Campus Highlights|
March 23, 2026
By Kristina Lindberg
Living it Forward
Glenn McIntosh’s legacy inspires and lifts others to continue his mission of equity, care and inclusion
Oakland University
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer Glenn McIntosh was known for many things: visionary, mentor, friend, father figure, advocate and leader. With a presence larger than life, Glenn served Oakland University for more than 30 years — continually advancing student success and inclusion, lifting others and giving counsel and support that changed lives. Glenn, whose warmth and casual collegiality inspired nicknames such as "Mr. OU," "Glenn Mac" and "Big Mac," passed away in September 2025.
Glenn’s radiant smile and tailored suits became a staple on campus — and his dedication to equity and inclusion became an institution. A man of faith, Glenn approached his work at OU and in the community as a mission and an assignment, and encouraged those around him to do the same. During his time at Oakland, Glenn established programs that empowered students throughout the decades, and will for years to come.
Growing up, Glenn was no stranger to adversity. “As someone from a low-income family of seven, who grew up in a neighborhood where opportunities were rare, it’s been a personal dream of mine to help people from low socioeconomic backgrounds access higher education, embrace the classroom experience and co-curricular learning opportunities,” he said in a 2018 magazine article. His grit and winning attitude set the stage for graduating from high school with honors and athletic accolades, and birthed his dream of getting a college degree. Although he was bullied for being overweight as a child, Glenn’s intentional and competitive mindset led to his success as a bodybuilder later on, even winning the title of Mr. Michigan in 1996.
Above all, Glenn was an inspiration. His mission to empower others left a mark on anyone who crossed his path. Glenn’s unwavering commitment to service inspired and directed others to do the same. Continue to read how Glenn ignited the spark in students like Marcus Johnson, colleagues like Lori Marsh, Ed.D., and community leaders and friends like Kaino Phillips and Adam Harris, to live his legacy forward.
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Marcus Johnson I first met Glenn McIntosh during my early time at Oakland University, when I was still finding my footing as a student and as a leader. From the beginning, what struck me most about Glenn was not just his kindness, but his presence. He had a way of making you feel like you mattered in the room, like your voice was worth listening to, even when you weren’t yet sure of that yourself.
As our relationship grew, Glenn became much more than a mentor. He was someone who genuinely believed in me, often more than I believed in myself. After my grandfather passed away, I hadn’t realized how much I missed having someone who saw my potential so clearly and without conditions. Glenn filled that space in a way I didn’t expect and never took for granted. His belief in me was steady, patient and unwavering. |
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Lori Marsh
One text from Glenn still lives in my phone: “… admire, cherish, and support you …” I reread it whenever I need a reminder of who he was and how fully he showed up for the people in his life. Glenn’s belief in others was not passive but was active, intentional and constant. No matter how unpredictable our days became, and plans often changed, I could rely on getting the same Glenn: positive, steady and fully present. |
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Adam Harris I remember meeting Vice President Glenn McIntosh for the very first time in the parking lot at Oakland University in 2013. When I first came to campus, I worked in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives Office to complete my graduate school internship at the University of Detroit Mercy for my master's degree in counseling. At that time, McIntosh was affectionately known on campus as “Dean Mac”.
I was coming from North Foundation Hall, and I was headed to my car. I recognized him from a distance as he was putting something in the trunk of his car. As I got closer, he looked my way because I’m sure he felt someone approaching him. Then our eyes finally connected and I yelled out, “Dad!” And he replied, “Son!” That was the beginning of us finally meeting one another and developing a professional and personal relationship that I will forever cherish. McIntosh was a special human being. He always found the time to connect with others. When you were with him, you felt like you were the only person in the world. Time slowed down because he was present and engaged. You knew that you mattered because when you were in his presence your meeting wasn’t rushed. And regardless of all his responsibilities as a vice president serving 26 departments at the university, he would actively listen to how he could be of service to your specific needs. His time was not only his most valuable asset, it was also the treasure he gave to people on his path. One lesson from Vice President McIntosh that I will forever cherish was his personal mantra to “Stand Up, Stand Out and Stand Above.” For me, his motto represented a call to excellence and a pursuit to give your personal best to each day. This adage wasn’t about competing with others, but completing what was yours to do. As a professional in higher education, I recognize the opportunity and responsibility that I have to be an example and a role model for others to give their best to each day and to demonstrate excellence. I will carry his many lessons and teachings with me, and he will forever be known as my D.A.D. for demonstrating excellence Day After Day. |
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Kaino Phillips
When I went off to college in Louisiana, I lost track of him for five years. It was only after I had graduated and came back on Oakland University's campus that he and I met up again at the Oakland Center. We picked right up where we left off and the brotherhood and bond grew from there. |
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