We Remember the Life and Legacy of Dr. Lloyd Crews

Dr. Lloyd Crews of Southfield, MI lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit. A proud product of the Detroit Public Schools, Lloyd graduated from Cass Technical High School before earning both, Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to leadership led him to earn a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy
Studies from Wayne State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in
Government from the Harvard Kennedy School. In 1996, Lloyd was initiated into Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (Detroit Alumni Chapter) -a brotherhood that would remain central
to his heart and his life’s purpose.

Over more than two decades in higher education, Dr. Crews inspired countless students and
colleagues. He began his career at Wayne State University before joining Oakland Community
College (OCC), where he served with distinction as Dean and Executive Director for over
12 years. In 2014, he moved into the classroom as a tenured Professor of Political Scienc

Dr. Crews’s leadership extended far beyond his many titles. He was a passionate advocate for
diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading initiatives that shaped OCC’s culture and legacy. Hе
coordinated the college’s first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Convocation, (which included
among many highlights, an appearance by civil rights leader, Joseph Lowery), yearly MLK Day
Convocations and Diversity Series, (which included notarized speakers such as: Poet, Writer and
Educator, Nikki Giovanni; Poet and Professor, Sonya Sanchez; Professor, Author and Minister
Michael Eric Dyson; Activist and Writer, Tim Wise) he established SAFE Zones to support
LGBTQ+ students, and chaired the Sustainability Committee.
One of Lloyd’s proudest accomplishments at OCC was founding the OCC Man Up program-a
mentorship initiative designed to uplift young men through education, leadership, and purpose.
To Lloyd, success was never about titles or accolades; it was about people-empowering them,
believing in them, and helping them see their own potential. Though his tireless work earned
him numerous honors and awards, he rarely spoke of them. Lloyd has a resume full of many
Achievements which include but not limited to the Cultural Diversity Award from the Michigan
College Personnel Association, the Diversity Champion Award from the Bloomfield/Birmingham
Diversity Taskforce, Oakland County’s “40 Under 40”, Michi

Never one to limit his impact, Lloyd poured his energy into the broader community as well.
Despite having zero political experience or connections, Lloyd ran for election to the Southfield
City Council in 2013. He has proudly served the residents of Southfield as councilman since
2014; and he was voted Council President by his peers on two occasions. He served on the
boards of the Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County (Field Zone), the American Red
Cross of Southeastern Michigan, and the Southfield Rotary Club, where he also held the office of
President. His civic commitment continued through his service on the Southfield Partnership
Council, the MLK Jr. Diversity Taskforce, and as President of the Michigan College Personnel
Association.

Those who knew Lloyd will remember his constant radiant smile, his easy laughter, and his
boundless compassion. He had a heart of gold and a gift for bringing people together. He loved
a good political debate almost as much as he loved a round of golf with friends. Whether he was
watching Jeopardy, Meet the Press, or catching up on MSNBC, Lloyd was always ready to engage
in a thoughtful-and often spirited-conversation about politics and the world around him.
Music was his lifelong companion. Lloyd could often be heard harmonizing along with his favorite
R&B classics, his smooth baritone filling any room with joy. His quick wit, infectious humor, and
genuine warmth made him unforgettable.

Lloyd is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Stacey Crews; his beloved son, Jamier; his
parents, Lloyd Walker and Charlie Marie Crews; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended
family, and dear friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts. His legacy will also
continue through his cherished brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., with whom he
shared an unbreakable bond of love and service.
Dr. Lloyd C. Crews lived a life that exemplified leadership, achievement, kindness, and grace.
His spirit will continue to s