Michael D. Finkley is a speaker, author, and educator. Finkley is a native of Mullins, SC. Growing up from humble beginnings, Finkley appreciates the teachings of his mother and grandparents where his strength stemmed from his spiritual background.

Finkley began his professional career at Allen University, Columbia, SC, as an undergraduate student where he was a work-study student within the Office of Admissions. He recruited for his institution for four (4) years. Finkley has served in various roles in higher education including college admissions/enrollment management, career services, student affairs, student orientation, diversity and inclusion, teaching (adjunct instructor), and many other capabilities. Finkley has also taught as an English Teacher and has served in the role as College and Career Counselor within the states of New Hampshire, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

Finkley is the Executive Director of The Finkley Experience; an educational consulting firm that specializes in FIRST GENERATION EDUCATION. We provide the following resources: students to be successful within the college admissions process while in high school, trains secondary school administrators of best practices of how to support their first-generation population, and partners with colleges/universities in preparing their first-generation college students for an easy transition from high school to college. Finkley is the author of The Finkley Experience Educational College Set.

Finkley has spoken and presented at many high schools, colleges including HARVARD UNIVERSITY, college-readiness organizations including TRIO and GEAR UP, and conferences including the AASA: The School Superintendents Association. Finkley is the recipient of the Allen University Educational Award and received Honorary Membership into the National Technical Honors Society.

Finkley holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (Allen University, Columbia, SC), Master of Education (k-12), and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH).