Meet Dr. Michael D. Finkley
Dr. Michael D. Finkley is an educator, author, speaker, and student-success professional with more than 15 years of experience in secondary and higher education. A native of Mullins, South Carolina, he credits his mother, grandparents, and spiritual foundation with shaping his commitment to education, service, and personal achievement.
Dr. Finkley began his higher-education career as an undergraduate work-study student in the Office of Admissions at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. During his four years in that office, he recruited prospective students and discovered his passion for helping others navigate the college process. His professional experience has since included college admissions and enrollment management, academic advising, career services, student affairs, orientation, student engagement, and college instruction. He has also served as an English teacher and college and career counselor in South Carolina, Mississippi, and New Hampshire.
Dr. Finkley is the Founder and Executive Director of The Finkley Experience, an educational consulting firm specializing in first-generation education. The organization helps middle and high school students prepare for college and careers, supports students as they transition into higher education, trains secondary-school professionals in practices for serving first-generation populations, and partners with colleges and universities to strengthen student success and retention.
He is the author of several educational resources, including The Finkley Experience: A College Readiness Guide for First Generation Students, The Finkley Experience Workbook: Tracking Yourself from High School to College, My First Year College Planner, and The Finkley Experience: College/Career Readiness for Middle School Students.
Dr. Finkley has presented at high schools, colleges, universities, and national education conferences. His speaking experience includes presenting at Harvard University about the first-generation student demographic, working with TRIO and GEAR UP programs, and presenting at AASA, The School Superintendents Association. His honors include the Allen University Educational Award and honorary membership in the National Technical Honor Society. In 2022, Corporate Vision’s Education and Training Awards recognized The Finkley Experience as the Best At-Risk Pupil College Readiness Consultancy – USA.
Dr. Finkley earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Allen University, a Master of Education in Educational Studies and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from South College. He also holds graduate certificates in English, Communications, and Teaching and Learning, as well as the Global Career Development Facilitator certification.
Beyond education, Dr. Finkley is an award-winning media personality, host of The Michael Finkley Show, published author, and Grammy Award-nominated recording artist. His ability to combine education, storytelling, media, and personal experience allows him to connect with audiences while providing practical guidance that supports their next steps.