A Journey to Empowering Others | DeMarcus Hopson

What makes you a good leader?
Leadership is fundamentally a service, not a privilege. It's not about personal gains or enhancing one's visibility; it's about inspiring others to discover and harness their leadership potential. Effective leadership means making decisions that prioritize the well-being and progress of the team over personal ambitions. People naturally gravitate towards leaders who demonstrate this selflessness, and the rewards of such leadership, though sometimes gradual, are profound and lasting.
My effectiveness as a leader stems from a blend of diverse life experiences and my core values of faith and service. Being a husband and father has profoundly shaped my approach to leadership. I have a balanced approach—linear in structure but flexible in application, allowing room for understanding and care. My family has given me a deeper sense of empathy, accommodation, and responsiveness in my daily interactions. Listen, man, if you can effectively lead a family, you are halfway there. Leading the family with my wife has taught me the invaluable lesson that leadership, much like parenthood, is about nurturing and guiding rather than merely instructing or directing.

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I also draw from my military experience. I've learned that leadership requires both clarity and discipline—locking in on these qualities has been the bedrock of my success. I bring high positive energy and focus to my teams, which I have found to be infectious. It organically helps to level-set distractions from our shared and common goals and organizational strategy. I am an active learner, always reading something new, from peer-reviewed research to reading a book like Brown Sugar Affirmations to my children off their bookshelf. I couple that with studying my mentors- Dr. Felix Okojie, Ms. Carrie Jackman, and Lt. General (Ret) Willie J. Williams, amongst others, and those I admire but don’t have direct access to. I study these individuals by reading their work, conversing, and bouncing ideas off them. Continued education helps me to embrace diversity and justice, ensuring that my leadership reflects the values of inclusivity and fairness. I actively pursue mental health opportunities as a commitment to the well-being of both myself and my team, recognizing that a healthy team is more effective and engaged.
I don’t believe in just creating followers but fostering the development of future leaders. I intrusively challenge the status quo and focus on empowering others. Anyone who has worked with me can attest that I encourage team members to assume leadership roles and make impactful decisions. This level of guided trust builds a more resilient and innovative organization. Again, this isn’t about me; it's about inspiring others to become leaders in their own right and equipping them with the tools to succeed.
Above all, my faith guides me, influencing my decisions and interactions and ensuring I lead fairly and with a deep sense of responsibility. My goal is to lead, inspire, and pave the way for future generations to achieve greatness.
 
How has education enhanced your life?
You know, it's not just education that's shaped my life; it's how my faith intertwines with what I've learned that's truly made a difference. I always remember something my mentor, Dr. C.B. Akins, Sr., used to say that really sticks with me: "There are two things in this life NO ONE can take from you, and that's your salvation and your education." Pretty powerful, right? That’s what I think of as true worthiness.
My journey started in a pretty unconventional classroom—Sunday School with Belinda Rice. She wasn't your averagely trained classroom teacher with pedagogical practices pulled from academic journals; she taught us right where we were, making a real impact early on in my life. Her influence was huge—it was my first real taste of how faith and learning could open doors and let me step into roles and spaces I once thought were beyond reach, all while helping me fight for equity and justice.
Concerning worthiness, it’s really about being deserving of opportunities, something that education builds up by reinforcing our potential and abilities. It’s like having an extra tool in your toolbox, boosting your confidence to navigate and shape the world. But let’s be clear—having an education doesn’t mean someone without it isn’t worthy. It’s just one piece of the puzzle, supporting experience and enhancing our ability to contribute and succeed. My start in Sunday School laid the foundation for this belief, setting me up for everything that came next.
Reflecting on worthiness through my education hits differently, especially coming from the Projects in Madisonville. Statistically, I wasn’t expected to get very far—I’m a first-generation college student, professional, and the first chasing a Ph.D. These milestones aren’t just personal wins; they light the way for what can be achieved against the odds.
This journey has been underpinned by resilience. Every hurdle and hiccup along my educational path has taught me to keep pushing. Whether it was losing scholarships, dropping out of college, or recalibrating my life in the military before returning to academia with new goals, my journey has been all about persistence. As I dig into my doctoral studies, I'm taking an even deeper dive, tackling challenges in our education system and finding effective solutions.
Education has been more than just a boost in my life; it’s the cornerstone of my legacy in leadership, service, and community involvement. It's shown me that with knowledge comes responsibility—the kind that drives you to lead with integrity, serve passionately, and motivate others to aim high.
 
 The definition of education is changing. What must be done to align our African American communities?
The traditional concept of education, especially the four-year college path, is being challenged by the realities of today’s world. It’s becoming clear that these institutions need to adapt swiftly or risk falling behind. The goal of education remains the same—to empower and enlighten—but the tools and methods we use must evolve. For instance, P-12 districts, along with charter and private schools, must embrace technology not just as a supplement, but as a core component of engagement and learning. The use of technology can make lessons more interactive and help in assessing what students have learned in a more dynamic way.
To align our communities with these changes, there’s a need to saturate our neighborhoods with critical, actionable information. This isn't just about sending out flyers or holding the occasional seminar. It’s about creating continuous, open channels of communication where learning and resources are readily available and accessible to everyone.
Our community leaders need to brace themselves for what I like to call a ‘hard reset’. This means reevaluating and possibly overhauling our current strategies to better suit the changing educational landscape. It requires a bold commitment to not only keep pace with change but to anticipate and shape it. Leaders must be willing to lean into the complexities of modern education and find a balance that incorporates new learning methods while honoring our rich heritage and learning styles.
We must be unapologetic in challenging existing governmental structures at all levels to remove the barriers that prevent fair access to resources. We're not looking for handouts; we're demanding an equitable distribution of resources so that our communities don't just survive but thrive. By ensuring equity, we prevent our future generations from having to play catch-up, which has been the cycle for far too long.
In all of these efforts, it’s essential that we preserve and celebrate our identity and blackness. Achieving equity and justice is not about assimilation into pre-existing frameworks that do not recognize our unique experiences and educational contributions. Rather, it's about reshaping these frameworks to be truly inclusive and reflective of our community's values and needs.
We must ensure that our push for educational advancement does not come at the cost of our cultural heritage. Instead, we should infuse our education systems with the rich traditions, histories, and perspectives that make our community unique. This approach not only enriches the educational experience for all but also empowers our youth to be proud of their identity, inspiring them to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
It is time for our communities to reject representation that merely serves opportunistic gatekeeping. We will witness meaningful change when the faith, education, and business sectors unite to speak truth to power and champion the essential educational needs of Black children and families. Additionally, bolstering political and nonprofit efforts that support transformative work is crucial. These entities should empower grassroots leaders who aspire to impactful roles, such as positions on school boards, city councils, and even in state and federal legislatures. By advocating for an education system that respects and integrates our Blackness, we assert a powerful statement: our pursuit of equity and justice is intertwined with a journey toward self-affirmation and pride. We must create environments where our children can flourish authentically, without compromising their identities. This commitment is key to building a fairer, stronger, and more unified community that aligns with educational changes and transformation.

What role do you feel the arts have in our lives?
The arts are not just an aspect of our lives; they are an embodiment of our very essence. Black folks, we are the arts! For centuries, our contributions and innovations in the arts have not just participated in but have fundamentally shaped global culture. Whether through the soul-stirring rhythms of our music, the poignant depths of our literature, or the bold strokes of our paint brushes, we have made an indelible mark on the world. Our work in the arts has been both a mirror reflecting the realities of our experiences and a hammer with which to shape them. Through every graceful move on the stage, every line written, note sung, and every image captured, we have directly or indirectly impacted and profoundly influenced cultures far beyond our own.
This influence is vividly evident in the realm of music, a core element of our cultural expression. Consider the vast impact of African American music—from blues to jazz, from gospel to hip-hop. Each genre carries the weight of our ancestors' struggles and triumphs, telling stories of resilience, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Music has been a vehicle for expressing the Black community's deepest pains and highest aspirations. It has influenced societal perceptions and fostered a unique sense of identity and solidarity among Black people, resonating across the globe and shaping the musical landscape universally. For example, during the modern civil rights movement, James Brown galvanized our culture with anthems like "Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud," urging our community, especially those who doubted their worth, to stand up with dignity and assert their identity. Complementing this message, the silver-tongued poet Muhammad Ali, though not a traditional poet, famously added, "I'm black, and I'm pretty," challenging the prevailing cultural notion that equated Blackness with a divine curse and countered the belief that Black was not beautiful. At a time when being Black and proud, let alone Black and pretty was considered oxymoronic by mainstream culture, these two icons, through their art, crafted a powerful counter-narrative that helped dismantle those degrading stereotypes.
In the realm of visual arts, Black artists have utilized their mediums to challenge stereotypes, confront injustice, and portray the rich complexities of Black life. From the powerful images captured during the Civil Rights Movement to the bold, thought-provoking works of contemporary Black artists, these visual narratives compel viewers to reflect, question, and engage in the ongoing dialogue about race, equity, and justice. One of the most poignant examples is by Moneta Sleet Jr., a fellow Kentucky State University alum and one of the greatest photographers of our time. Sleet captured the iconic image of a mourning Coretta Scott King, cradling her daughter Bernice, at Dr. King's funeral. This profound work not only earned him a Pulitzer Prize, making him the first African-American photographer to receive this highest honor in journalism, but it also immortalized a significant moment in history, conveying the deep personal grief and enduring strength of the King family.
I strongly believe the arts have been instrumental in preserving our heritage and shaping cultural memory. Through plays, films, and literature, we explore our past, critique our present, and reimagine our future. These forms of expression connect us to our roots while highlighting the continuous struggle for rights and recognition.
In an educational context, the arts are invaluable, a truth I've lived from a very young age. I was first introduced to the arts during a kindergarten performance, where we demonstrated our learning about safety. I had the memorable task of reenacting the old Life Call commercial, proudly delivering the line, "Help, I've fallen, and I can't get up." You couldn't tell me I didn't deserve an Oscar! From there, I journeyed into music; I became a percussion player throughout middle and high school, playing drums at my church and participating in symphonic, jazz, and marching bands at school. I even fulfilled my dream of joining an HBCU band. Marching with the Mighty Marching Thorobreds at Kentucky State University was a transformative experience, embodying the unparalleled energy, pride, and cultural significance that only an HBCU band can offer. Each performance was more than just a display of musical skill; it was a celebration of our history and a powerful form of cultural expression. The rhythms we played resonated deep within the soul, each beat a reminder of our ancestors' resilience and creativity. Standing on the field, surrounded by my bandmates, I felt connected to a legacy much greater than myself—a legacy of excellence and unity.
As I sit here and talk, I can still smell the popcorn that filled the stadium, while the thunderous applause of my peers and alumni intensified the adrenaline rush as we mounted the sideline, preparing to take the field. I see the K-Rettes glide into their positions, cloaked with their hooded black capes, and the majorette flag team take position. The drum major blows the whistle, my section leader clicks off the cadence, and the entire band swarms the field with the deafening "uh-ohhhhhhhh uh-ohhhhhhhh," signaling to the masses, "you bout to get a show!" I get chills just thinking about it.
It was here, amidst the gameday energy and the intricate choreographies, that I truly understood the depth of commitment and passion required not only to entertain but to inspire and educate through music. This wasn’t just about perfecting notes and rhythms; it was about carrying forward a torch that has been passed down through generations, illuminating the path for those who follow.
This journey underscores that when we talk about the role of the arts in our lives, we are discussing something elemental to our very existence and evolution as a people. The arts are not just an accessory to life; they are a lifeline, pulsating through the veins of society, nourishing our spirits, challenging our complacencies, and propelling us toward a more just and vibrant world. They are a testament to our endurance and a beacon of our limitless potential, celebrating every aspect of our identity and continuing to shape our collective narrative.
 
As a father, how will you introduce the arts to your children? 
I am a proud girl dad, blessed with three beautiful daughters whose skin has been kissed by the sun, reminding me of the vast beauty of the African deserts. Their spirits are innocent and free, bringing immense joy and vitality to my life. They already exhibit signs of remarkable potential and divine favor at the ages of six, two, and nine months.
My wife and I are passionate and deliberate about introducing our children to the arts. We view artistic activities not merely as hobbies but as essential forms of expression that significantly contribute to both their academic and personal development. Given that our daughters are naturally gifted, the arts offer them a distinctive means to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
As a father, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to making the arts an integral and exhilarating part of their lives. I see art as more than a pastime; it is a vital avenue for self-expression and a robust tool that aids in learning and personal growth.
Our home integrates the arts into daily routines. We play music, engage in family dance sessions, and keep a variety of art supplies on hand for spontaneous drawing and painting sessions. I want to encourage my children to see art as a normal part of life, something that can be done for fun, expressing feelings, or communicating ideas that might be hard to put into words.
As our girls get older, we explore different types of performing arts by attending plays, concerts, and dance performances, which will help them understand and appreciate the diversity of artistic expression. I believe in exposing them to a wide range of artistic disciplines—from visual arts to music, dance, theater, and even culinary arts—so they can discover what they love the most.
We also encourage our children to participate in classes and workshops to hone their skills further. My oldest daughter is already involved in dance and piano lessons. These activities not only help her develop her talents but also allow her to meet and interact with other children who share her interests. This engagement is an excellent way for her to build confidence and become part of a community.
Most importantly, I want to be their role model in appreciating the arts. By intentionally engaging with the arts myself and showing genuine interest and enthusiasm, I want to inspire them to embrace their artistic sides. Whether they pursue art professionally or as a passion, I want them to understand its value and find joy in creative expression throughout their lives.
 
Tell us about your favorite play/concert experience.
If I had to pick a standout from all the plays and concerts I've had the pleasure of attending, it would undoubtedly be the stage play “Let Go! Let God!” It was written, produced, and directed by my college friend, Shana McCombs. Honestly, she's incredibly talented. Imagine being a college student and having the courage to create a play and put it on right there on campus for the world to see. That’s pretty impressive, right?
The play itself was hilarious but packed with meaningful messages. It explored the challenges that arise from a missing spiritual core and illustrated how life can transform when one releases negativity and trusts in divine guidance. What made it really special was seeing friends owning the stage, clearly enjoying bringing their craft to life.
It's my favorite because I watched from afar how she made it all come together. Also, how personal the whole show experience felt. It was a production filled with familiar faces, and even though some might have labeled Shana as an amateur at the time, the quality of her work was anything but. The entire play resonated with me deeply, combining genuine entertainment with poignant life lessons—a rare and magical combination.
 
ABOUT DEMARCUS HOPSON
DeMarcus Hopson is a native of Madisonville, KY, and is the oldest son of six children.
As an educator, favored public speaker and gifted orator, Hopson brings a wealth of knowledge across a diverse array of subjects, ranging from Military History and the nuanced experiences of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to cultural competency and the dynamics of educating males of color. His insights into historically black Greek-lettered fraternity and sorority life, the contemporary Christian journey, and the multifaceted history of the United States are deeply informed by his understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. His thought-provoking contributions have been featured in respected publications such as the Kentucky Bluegrass Guard Magazine, American Baptist News Paper, and the United States DOD Press, among others. DeMarcus' remarkable talent in distilling complex topics into accessible and practical insights, particularly in the realms of higher education policy, enrollment management, and student affairs, has established him as a trusted mentor and advisor. His strategic guidance is routinely sought after for its clarity and capacity for positive outcome in educational settings.
Known for his transformative and cooperative leadership style, consistently cultivating environments where teamwork and collective achievement are paramount. Hopson’s leadership methodology is characterized by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of common objectives, all of which have been instrumental in bringing together diverse groups to accomplish unified goals. His leadership acumen extends beyond internal team dynamics, involving community stakeholders, alumni, and industry experts in efforts to enhance the educational experience. This approach, grounded in inclusivity and collaboration, not only drives the growth of the institutions but also fosters a holistic, student-focused educational environment. This reflects his unwavering dedication to academic excellence and ensuring equitable access to education. Additionally, in just the past three years Hopson successfully secured, managed, and allocated over 1.5 million dollars in grants and sponsored programs.
In his educational pursuit, DeMarcus graduated from Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY, as well as from the US Army Command and General Staff College and the Army University, both located in Ft Leavenworth, KS. Currently, he is furthering his academic endeavors by pursuing an Executive Ph.D. in Higher Educational Leadership at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS.
After more than thirteen years of dedicated service, DeMarcus honorably concluded his career with the United States Army. His tenure in the military was distinguished by various leadership roles, such as Command State Historian, Army Recruitment Operations Specialist, and Strategic Leader within the 2/138th Field Artillery Battalion of the 138th Fires Brigade, particularly during deployments. This experience cemented his reputation as a leader both in uniform and beyond. In the civilian sphere, DeMarcus continues to demonstrate his leadership prowess. He actively participates in a range of professional, civic, and community organizations, where he takes on numerous leadership and supportive roles, continuing his commitment to service and community engagement.
Hopson currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Access at Georgetown College, in Georgetown, KY. In this pivotal role, he is charged with the strategic oversight and leadership of the College's enrollment initiatives. He spearheads efforts to not only attract and retain a diverse student body but also ensures equitable access to educational opportunities, particularly for minority and underserved communities.
DeMarcus believes our availability is our greatest asset and wishes to avail his gifts and talents with the aim of propelling the communities towards continuous progress and elevation. As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he embodies the fraternity’s ideals in his personal and professional life. Hopson is joyfully married to the love of his life, and together they are the doting parents of three daughters.