by Alyssa Speicher, Public Relations Writer
Cedarville alumnus Michael Dorsey, most recognizable for participating on “The Biggest Loser” TV program, was recently named chief learning officer for the Maryland Department of Human Services.
After graduating from Cedarville University in 2000 and working at the university for six years as coordinator of intercultural recruitment, Dorsey took a job as an independent contractor with Monster Worldwide as a speaker for their student programs. It was there that Dorsey learned he could have an impact on others’ lives as a speaker, delivering biblical truth through his words.
“Even when I am not speaking in a church or Christian setting, I am essentially delivering a sermon without quoting the Bible,” commented Dorsey. “Biblical principles are biblical principles, no matter how you say them.”
As a speaker, Dorsey believes in the idea that “someone will live another day because of the words that come out of your mouth.” On this premise, he started his own freelance professional speaking company, MLD Communications, which later became Michael Dorsey, International after he appeared on season 14 of “The Biggest Loser.”
After his time at The Biggest Loser ranch, he returned to his stay-at-home wife and newborn son, Mike Jr.
Dorsey applied for a trainer position in the human resources office of the Maryland Department of Human Services and was hired. After eight months, he was promoted to manager of the training unit and was responsible for re-branding and restructuring the training for the department’s 7,000 employees.
“Our employees in human services are dealing with a lot of stuff,” said Dorsey. “I love that I get the opportunity to impact their lives in such a way that they have what they need to encourage the clients who come through our doors.”
Dorsey was promoted to chief learning officer in March 2017.
“As depraved human beings, our natural inclination is definitely not toward empathy and compassion,” Dorsey added. “For many people, I am the only Christ they see, especially in a named leadership role. Knowing that others are looking at how I act definitely keeps me humble.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.