Josh Mack was born in Winter garden, Fl., He began his academic career in 1957 as an Education major at Knoxville College. He later received a dual basketball and football athletic scholarship which provided an opportunity for him to continue his education after he transferred to Edward Waters College in 1961.  

 

He received a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in 1971; and during 1972-1973 enrolled at the University of Michigan as a doctoral student, with a major concentration in the area of The Administration of Occupational Education.   He completed the requirements for a Masters Degree in Urban Adult Education in 1974 from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C..

Mack's professional career began in 1963 as a physical education teacher, athletic director, and head basketball coach at his alma mater, Charles R, Drew High School in Winter Garden, Fl.  As head

coach in basketball, his team was district champions, including establishing the record for the most points ever scored in a single game in the state of Florida.  Starting in 1965, he worked in the Job

Corps Program in Price, Utah, as an educator and assistant principal.

 

In 1968 to 1970, he worked with the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) system as a Senior Adult Education Specialist.  His passion for education and social reform influenced his advocacy for youth development, student achievement, and quality education for all DPS students.  Mack was first elected to Region I Board of Education of the Detroit Public Schools in 1973.  

 

As, a board member, his passions also led him to become a staunch proponent for affirmative action in employment, education, and entrepreneurship.  Mack played an important role in assisting with the development of the decentralization of the DPS district.  

 

This Legislative Act was enacted in 1971 by the Michigan Legislation which enhanced communicable relations between school administration officials and the citizens of Detroit.  This law was sponsored by, at this time, Senator Coleman A. Young, who subsequently became the Mayor of the City of Detroit in 1974. This law also allowed the community to participant more in the decision-making processes of the DPS system.

Mack worked as a staff training specialist with the University of

Michigan Area Manpower Institute for Staff Development, where

he was responsible for developing and conducting in service workshops, and training a variety of staff including; teachers, counselors, administrators  and paraprofessionals.  His

geographical areas of training included six (6) states.

Mack served as an Administrative Coordinator for the Wayne County Attention Centers .  The four (4) centers offered adult and special education services, GED, pre-employment and psychological testing to delinquent state wards and children in foster care.

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Macks's role as a public servant, in addition to serving on the school board, included extensive volunteer involvement and leadership within the M.O.O.R.E. Community Council 501(c)3 non-profit, NAACP, the Welfare Organization, New Detroit Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Skillman Foundation and several others. Currently, using his experiences servicing in the capacities of mentor and community activist with the Michigan National Action Network organization.