Cleary University partners with LEAD Prep Academy to educate student-athletes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
May 4, 2026
 
CONTACT:                                                                  
Brett Rogers                                                    Eric Figurski
Cleary Director of Marketing                          Athletic Director – LEAD Prep Academy
800.686.1883                                                  248.974.5713
brogers@cleary.edu                                       efigurski@legacycentermichigan.com

Cleary University partners with LEAD Prep Academy to educate student-athletes
Editor’s note: if you would like an interview with a spokesperson from Cleary or LEAD Prep Academy, please contact Cindy Ficorelli at 810.923.4996 or cficorelli@cleary.edu.
(HOWELL, MI) Cleary University is proud to announce a new partnership with LEAD Prep Academy, powered by the L.E.A.D Foundation and the Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton, creating a pathway for student-athletes to pursue a college education while continuing their athletic development.
 
Through this multi-year agreement, LEAD Prep Academy football players—known as The Kings—will enroll at Cleary University as traditional students and work toward earning their associate’s degree. The partnership is designed to support academic success, personal growth, and career readiness for student-athletes preparing for the next level.
LEAD Prep Academy is known for its commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, providing opportunities for exposure, skill development, and academic advancement. This collaboration strengthens that mission by ensuring athletes have access to a high-quality college education and a supportive campus environment.
“Cleary University is committed to meeting students where they are and helping them build a strong foundation for their future,” reports Alan Drimmer, PhD, president and CEO of Cleary. “This partnership with LEAD Prep Academy allows us to extend that mission to a group of driven student-athletes who are focused on both their academic and athletic goals. We’re excited to welcome The Kings to campus and support their journey toward success.”

Students participating in the program will benefit from Cleary’s career-focused curriculum, small class sizes, and personalized support services. Cleary provides a flexible academic foundation, allowing students to explore a range of disciplines while preparing for continued education or entry into the workforce.
“We are excited to partner with Cleary University,” says Eric Figurski, athletic director at LEAD Prep Academy. “Through this partnership, the academic and college experience will be fully integrated into our program – part of a complete model designed to prepare student-athletes for a new era of college athletics.”
The partnership reflects Cleary University’s ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education and create innovative pathways for student success. By combining academic opportunity with athletic development, the collaboration aims to empower student-athletes to achieve their full potential.

Photo caption:
From left: Kelly Genei, Cleary University Dean of Undergraduate Studies; Kevin Pnacek, Cleary Director of Enrollment Management; Jeremy Walker, Cleary Chief Operations Officer; Eric Figurski, LEAD Prep Academy Athletic Director; Louis Adams, Lead Prep Academy General Manager; Lonnie Pries, Cleary Chief Student Affairs Officer; Christopher Davis, Cleary Chief Academic Officer; Alan Drimmer, Cleary President & CEO;  Rodney Goble, Legacy Center Owner; JoAnn Ross, Cleary VP of Financial Aid; and Megan Temby, Cleary VP of Finance.
 
About Cleary University
Founded in 1883, Cleary University is a four-year, private, nonprofit accredited university, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees from a unique Business Arts curriculum, and
driven by a faculty of thought leaders with deep, practical experience in their industries.
Providing on-campus and online education models, Cleary also offers a robust athletic program of 21 sports and a rich residence life on a 50-acre campus.

About LEAD Prep Academy
LEAD Prep Academy is a post-graduate football and academic program dedicated to developing student-athletes into successful college students and leaders. Through a combination of elite athletic training, academic preparation, and character development, LEAD Prep provides athletes with the exposure and resources needed to advance to collegiate programs while emphasizing education, discipline, and personal growth both on and off the field.

MAIN CAMPUS // 3750 CLEARY DRIVE, HOWELL MI 48843
DETROIT EDUCATION CENTER // 2470 COLLINGWOOD ST, DETROIT, MI 48206
CLEARY.EDU. 800-686-1883