Alumni Feature: Danzel McKinley-Lewis, M.B.A. '22
July 14, 2022 | John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation News
By John Anderson III
From Wearing Nike On The Field to Working there, Rocket wide Receiver Launches Career after completing m.B.A.
On May 7, 2022, Danzel McKinley-Lewis entered the John F. Savage Arena with a smile spread widely across his face.
All of the hard work, long nights and perseverance with one singular challenge in mind finally paid off.
The goal? To receive his diploma for completing his master of business administration
degree in leadership from the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and
Innovation. 
McKinley-Lewis is no stranger to difficult tasks, however.
The former student-athlete was a standout wide receiver for the Rocket football team. After starting the first three games of his junior season, McKinley-Lewis suffered an injury that would sideline him for the rest of the year.
While rehabbing his injury, he developed a mantra that would stick with him throughout his graduate school studies: "rest if you must, but don't you quit."
The tenacious discipline that he cultivated during his time practicing, playing and eventually rehabbing injury, led to success in the classroom.
When asked what advice he would give to current graduate students based on his own experiences, McKinley-Lewis said, "Network. You will have good days and bad days, but I'm sure someone in your program may be having an even worse day. Finding a group or even one other person can bring light to frequent study sessions."
McKinley-Lewis also shared words of wisdom to those considering pursuing a UToledo graduate degree.
"Take that leap and apply. Every day you contemplate not doing it is another day added until you complete it. You will also open the door for many other opportunities to advance your career."
As he prepared to graduate, McKinley-Lewis was eager to launch his career and begin his professional journey, something he had worked so hard for.
In June, he accepted a position with Nike in Memphis, TN as an operations specialist.
Reflecting on his time as a Rocket, McKinley-Lewis was humbled by his accomplishments as he transitioned from student to alumnus.
"Being able to walk across that stage for a second time and with my M.B.A. is something I am overwhelmingly proud of."