In the vibrant tapestry of University of Michigan’s alumni, few shine as brightly as Dr. Marcus Collins, a distinguished member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. initiated through the storied Delta Rho Chapter at our university. Dr. Collins’ academic and professional journey is a compelling testament to the power of cultural understanding and its transformative influence on marketing and consumer engagement.
As an award-winning marketer, former Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, New York, and marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, Dr. Collins has forged a bridge between real-world business challenges and scholarly insight, benefitting both blue-chip brands and startups.
Renowned for his innovative approaches, Dr. Collins has been honored with several industry accolades, including Advertising Age's 40 Under 40, Crain's Business' 40 Under 40, and a coveted place in the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement. The Thinkers50 Radar Distinguished Achievement Award is a recent feather in his cap, recognizing his potential to shape the future of business management.
Dr. Collins' illustrious career in advertising took shape following his roles at Doner Advertising and Steve Stoute’s Translation. Before these, he co-founded a music-tech startup, collaborated with Apple on iTunes + Nike sport music initiatives, and spearheaded digital strategy for none other than Beyoncé. His ability to create ideas that resonate culturally, and inspire action, is evident across these diverse experiences.
His best-selling book, "For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be", is a seminal work reflecting his deep dive into the impact of culture on consumer behavior. Dr. Collins distills complex concepts into practical insights, empowering marketers, activists, and anyone looking to leverage cultural forces for positive action.
Holding a doctorate in marketing from Temple University, where he explored cultural contagion and meaning-making, Dr. Collins remains deeply tied to his academic roots. A proud alumnus of the University of Michigan, he holds an MBA focused on strategic brand marketing and a BSE in Material Science Engineering from our institution.
In addition to being a Forbes columnist and a respected advisor among Chief Marketing Officers and business leaders, his most cherished roles are those of family man – a proud Detroit native, a loving husband, and a father to Georgia and Ivy.
Dr. Marcus Collins epitomizes the Michigan Difference, demonstrating how one person's blend of passion, intellect, and love for culture can lead to groundbreaking work that touches lives both within and outside the hallowed halls of academia. His impact on the fraternity and the broader University of Michigan community will resonate for years to come.
For our fellow Wolverines and FSL stakeholders, Dr. Collins stands as a beacon of what University of Michigan Fraternity & Sorority Life can cultivate: leaders not just adept in their fields, but also enriching the cultural fabric of our world with wisdom, integrity, and service.