The River Rouge School District has identified a phenomenal leader in Mr. Bacari Alexander to serve as the District Coordinator for Culture, Health, & Wellness. The District has adopted, and is continuing to develop a framework that allows schools to support student's social-emotional intelligence, mental health and wellness, as we continue to deepen our work to create academically competitive students.

Mr. Alexander will be responsible for ensuring that the culture of our schools reflects our commitment to families and he

will make certain the adopted wellness programs are fully implemented across the system. When we asked what makes

him uniquely qualified for this position, Mr. Alexander referenced the following quote, "One day you will tell your story of

how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else's survival guide." "I am attracted to this school

system because I firmly believe that the universe has pushed me to a place where my spirit is anchored to the work and I may be of the greatest service to people."

A native of Detroit and the pride of Southwestern High School, Mr. Alexander returns to the State of Michigan after most recently serving as an assistant men's basketball coach for the University of Denver. During his basketball career, Mr. Alexander has been the head coach at the University of Detroit-Mercy and he also served as an assistant basketball coach with the University of Michigan for six seasons. Bacari spent two years with the Harlem Globetrotters and also held a position in community relations for the NBA Detroit Pistons. As of 2021, he has helped more than 400 individuals earn

degrees and become professionals in the sports industry.

Among many accomplishments, Mr. Bacari Alexander has been recognized by Marquis Who's Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in basketball coaching and building highly effective cultures. As a student/athlete he served as the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) (1999) as well as a member of the President's Student Advisory Board (1999) at the University of Detroit-Mercy. In 2015, the Bleacher Report Magazine nominated him for the Top Assistant Coaches award. Mr. Alexander has won two basketball championships, as well as the 2012 Big 10 regular season championship and the 2014 Big 10 regular-season championship. In 2013, at the University of Michigan, Mr. Alexander helped coach the team to a final four as well as being the National runner-up.

Mr. Alexander will also serve as Special Assistant to Boys' Basketball Varsity Head Coach, Josh Baker. Additionally, he will contribute to the athletic department by supporting the character and cultural work that has made our district so successful. Without question, Bacari has the passion, expertise, and commitment needed to ensure we are able to support all students along their individual journeys. In welcoming Mr. Alexander to the district, we are most excited about the potential of this hire because it allows him to do truly revolutionary work on behalf of urban youth.