The National Alumni Board
the 2021 Distinguish Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Motley ’81 was born in Beckley, West Virginia. In 1960 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 11. In 1974 he moved to Painesville, Ohio where he was employed with First Energy Corporation. In 1976 he started his own business as general contractor, licensed plumber and electrician and sole owner/president of Motley Construction, Inc., which he has maintained and is still his current occupation. Rev. Motley received a bachelor’s degree from Lake Erie College in marketing and business; a bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University in theology; a master’s degree in theology from Grand Canyon University; and a doctoral degree in divinity from Newburgh Theological Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Motley ‘81
Rev. Motley is a serious and willing worker in his community. He serves on the NAACP Executive Board as 1st Vice President, Chairperson of Religious Affairs and the Membership Committee. His involvement extends to the “Begin the Conversation” committee. He serves on the organization’s educational sub-committee, planning educational events for the community. He has represented the “Begin the Conversation” committee being interviewed by the
Plain Dealer, WINT radio station and the News-Herald. He has taken a special interest in working to improve conditions at a children’s school in Uganda. Thus, in 2018 he started a 501c3 non-profit organization, named Jesus Christ Missionary Services, Inc. Donations are being distributed to the school to buy and install a water purification system, security entry gate and other necessities including their ministry, education, programs, etc. Also, monies may be and have been used locally where urgent needs may arise. He traveled to Uganda for three weeks out of each year in 2017-2019. His mission is teaching, preaching and counseling at conferences and schools there. Due to the Covid he was not able, nor allowed, to return in person to Africa but has maintained contact with friends and associates on the growth of the projects. In addition to his busy construction schedule, those in the community are aware that he is readily available for their spiritual needs, should it be prayer, grief counseling, consoling, comforting, home visits to the sick, shut-ins and elderly, including visits to hospitals and nursing homes. Rev. Motley was recognized by the Cleveland Magazine with an article in the January 2017 issue as one of the “Most Interesting People.” Motley and his wife, Shirley, reside in Painesville, Ohio. He is the Pastor of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Painesville, Ohio since November 14, 2020. He is also currently the vice president of Lake County’s NAACP. At LEC, Rev Motley has been involved in the College’s Martin Luther King Jr. program, he helped initiate Start the Conversation and has been involved in the College’s new Painesville Promise.
