Fowlerville resident named Cleary University Professor of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
May 26, 2026
 
CONTACT:
Brett Rogers
Director of Marketing
800-686-1883 x.1558
brogers@cleary.edu
 
Editor’s note: if you would like to Interview Jason or any of the other award winners (many are Livingston County residents as noted), please call Cindy Ficorelli at 810.923.4996 or send an email to cficorelli@cleary.edu
 
Fowlerville resident named Cleary University Professor of the Year
 
(HOWELL, MI) At its second annual Catamounts award ceremony, Cleary University recognized faculty, students, coaches and staff for their outstanding achievements throughout the school year.
 
Jason McKinley of Fowlerville was voted Professor of the Year. Since he joined the Cleary faculty as an adjunct professor in 2011, he has taught 26 unique courses to more than 1,300 students. His classes include business, technology and philosophy, integrating AI tools in data foundations and critical thinking courses.
 
“I’m always looking for creative ways to incorporate critical thinking, ethics, the power of effective communication and leadership techniques into our classroom discussions,” he says.
 
McKinley finds great passion in teaching and hopes to become a full-time professor at Cleary when he retires. His roots are deep in Cleary. He obtained his master’s degree in business administration from Cleary and later was asked to teach. “The school felt that with my diverse background, I could bring a different skillset into the classroom,” McKinley finds.
 
His career spans some 25 years in project management and IT for major corporations and governments across the country. He especially enjoys bringing his work life experiences into the Cleary classroom, offering students plenty of learning opportunities.
 
“I constantly challenge perspectives so students will see both sides of an issue,” he points out.
 
“I love teaching at Cleary! The culture is so positive, the campus and the student population are full of energy, students want to be challenged, and I love the student interaction and the
passion that it brings. I love hearing from former students about how Cleary has expanded their opportunities, and I’ve seen through the years how the local community is embracing Cleary much more – and more and more local students are choosing Cleary to further their education.”
 
When he is not working at Cleary or his most recent position as Service Team Leader at Meijer in Howell, McKinley is at his 10-acre home in Fowlerville with his family, dogs, goats, a pig, and a few ducks and chickens.
 
“I’m very blessed with a fabulous family and career.”
 
It is no surprise, then, that Cleary students and fellow faculty and staff voted him Professor of the Year. He was recognized as an exceptional educator who demonstrates outstanding teaching, inspires students and makes a lasting impact through his dedication, creativity and support for student success.
 
Other Catamount award recipients include:
 

• Staff of the Year: Leanne Nichols (Howell), assistant athletic director for sports medicine: recognized for placing students first, exhibiting collaboration in her work, and always finding a way through adversity
• Coach of the Year: Drew Maki (Brighton), head baseball coach: demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to inspiring and guiding the team
• Female Athletes of the Year: Izzy Dugal (Waterford), women’s basketball, and Evalyn Cole (Elsie), women’s soccer: demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, sportsmanship and academic achievement
• Male Athlete of the Year: Bennett Sheppard (Pinckney), ACHA hockey: recognized as an outstanding athlete who demonstrates exceptional skill, dedication, sportsmanship and achievement in his sport
• Female Champion of Character: Ashland Particka (Ovid), women’s softball: elevated the community by inspiring others and fostering a positive environment on the court
• Male Champion of Character: Howie Hammond (Flint), men’s bowling: honored for elevating the community by inspiring others, fostering a positive environment and serving as a strong role model in the classroom and in his sport
• Bryce Owens (Burton), men’s bowling: embodied school pride, enthusiasm and dedication; and inspired others through his unwavering Cleary spirit
• Student Leader Award: Chase Palmer (Macomb), student ambassador and men’s baseball: for demonstrating exceptional leadership and initiative, and having a positive impact on his peers and community 
• Female Brighten Your Day Award: Izzy Dugal (Waterford), women’s basketball:  recognized for her positivity, kindness and uplifting spirit that consistently brings joy to those around her. She makes campus life brighter with her smile, encouragement and genuine care for others.
• Male Brighton Your Day Award: Tim Kewley (Romeo), men’s basketball: for his positivity, kindness and uplifting spirit that consistently brings joy to those around him. He makes campus life brighter with his smile, encouragement and genuine care for others.
• Female Academic Excellence Sports Team: Women’s Softball (3.65 overall GPA)
• Male Academic Excellence Sports Team: Men’s Hockey (3.55 overall GPA)
• Ripple Effect Award: Ricky Flowers (Fenton), Charter Bus Driver: for his contagious enthusiasm, hard work, diligence and genuine concern for the campus community, which he exhibits every day on the job
• Ryan Mosher Courage Award: Brian Charnetski (Ann Arbor), help desk technician: for embodying the same strength, compassion and resilience shown by the award’s namesake and Cleary Wrestler, who passed away unexpectedly in late October 2024 
• SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team) hosts the Catamount awards to celebrate the countless individuals who embody the spirit of Cleary through their leadership and academic excellence.
   
  To learn more about Cleary University, visit its website: https://cleary.edu.