SSW Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipient - Michael C. Alexander

Michael C. Alexander, a distinguished Portland community leader, executive, and advocate, will receive an honorary doctoral degree nominated by PSU’s School of Social Work. He will also be the School’s keynote speaker for the June 13th Commencement at the Viking Pavilion.

Michael’s decades-long career has been defined by a commitment to social justice, healthcare equity, and visionary regional development. Holding a master’s degree in social work from Bryn Mawr, Michael uniquely applies the core values of his social work education to corporate, non-profit, and civic leadership. As the former President and CEO of the Urban League of Portland, he led a substantial revitalization of the organization’s community partnerships and strengthened its mission to advancing equity and empowerment for the African American community. His extensive executive background also includes senior roles at Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and the Aetna Foundation, where he directed philanthropic initiatives to eliminate healthcare disparities.

Michael’s dedication to "serving the city" is further exemplified by his direct service to PSU, having stepped up during a critical transitional period from 2018 to 2019 to serve as the Interim Vice President for Global Diversity and Inclusion. His civic stewardship extends to vital regional infrastructure, having served as a Commissioner and Vice President for the Port of Portland Commission, alongside board memberships with the Black United Fund, Northwest Health Foundation, and United Way.

Today, Michael serves as one of the strategic and moral anchors for the region as the chair of the Albina Vision Trust. Leading what is among the largest restorative redevelopment projects in the United States, he acts as a critical bridge between community voices and City Hall to rebuild Portland's historic lower Albina neighborhood. His tireless advocacy pushes past traditional profit-driven models to transform what he calls "desperation into aspiration", investing in genuine and sustainable community-building for generations to come.