The Directorate

Is a premier network of Michigan State University Black alumni connected by legacy, leadership, and excellence. Founded to strengthen bonds among graduates. The Directorate serves as a hub where achievement meets opportunity.

Our membership reflects the full spectrum of professional excellence. We represent:

Attorneys. Judges. Educators. Professors. School Administrators. News Anchors. Actors. Reality Stars. Doctors. Surgeons. Nurses. Costume Designers. Pageant Winners. Therapists. Pharmacists. Engineers. Architects. Urban Planners. IT Specialists. Cybersecurity Experts. Data Analysts. Accountants. Financial Advisors. Bankers. Pilots. Flight Crew. Entrepreneurs. Real Estate Developers. Contractors. Corporate Executives. Nonprofit Leaders. Public Servants. Policy Advisors. Government Officials. Military Officers. Artists. Authors. Journalists. Broadcasters. Designers. Creatives. Athletes. Coaches. Researchers. Scientists. Social Workers. Consultants. Ministers. Community Organizers. Marketing Professionals. Event Producers. Small Business Owners. And emerging leaders across every industry. We are innovators. Builders. Mentors. Change-makers.

The Directorate exists to preserve our shared Spartan experience while amplifying the power, visibility, and impact of Black alumni worldwide. We are not simply a directory—we are a living network of influence, access, collaboration, and legacy.

PICTURED: 

The Wharton Center for Performing Arts was named in honor of Clifton R. Wharton Jr. and his wife, Dolores, in recognition of their leadership and support of the arts. It opened in 1982 as a premier venue for world-class performing arts—including Broadway touring productions, concerts, dance, and community programs—and serves both the university and the broader Mid-Michigan region. The Whartons championed the integration of the arts into university life and community engagement, and the center continues that legacy by presenting diverse performances and educational arts programs.

Clifton R. Wharton Jr. was an influential educator, economist, and trailblazing leader who served as the 14th president of Michigan State University (MSU) from 1970 to 1978. He was the first Black president of a major U.S. public research university and was known for his commitment to academic excellence, access, and community engagement. After his time at MSU, Wharton went on to lead the State University of New York system, chair the Rockefeller Foundation, and become the first Black CEO of a major U.S. corporation (TIAA-CREF), among many other distinguished roles in public service, business, and philanthropy.