About Dr. Carly Braxton
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I was born and raised in Detroit, MI and am the second of six sisters. Coming from a large, working class family and seeing my parents trying to make the little we had enough taught me the value of being resourceful. It taught me that nothing is impossible for those who believe (Mark 9:23) and that giving up is never an option, no matter how tough things get.
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The resourcefulness I learned through my familial experiences has carried me and overtime has taught me to lean on faith and trust God. My educational and professional journey is a testament of faith, resourcefulness, intentionality, and betting on myself.
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After graduating from Central Michigan University, where I received my Bachelor of Applied Arts in Integrative Public Relations where I thought I would pursue a career in PR and journalism, I relied on faith to pivot from this plan to pursue a career in higher education. I immediately went to graduate school and attended the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, where I received my Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration. After a fulfilling, 10+ year career working in higher education serving students in various capacities, I returned to school to pursue my doctorate in English. Though I had no formal educational background in English, I knew that God had called me for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). I betted on myself. Faith and intentionality guided me through this journey. I earned my PhD in English in May of 2025 from Wayne State University. This plus all of my previous experiences in PR, higher education, and in life helped me to earn my dream job as a tenure-track professor and academic researcher at Michigan State University: God wastes nothing (Romans 8:28). I am deeply committed to the advancement of knowledge by supporting college learners on their journey through educational attainment and using research as a tool to help solve some of society’s problems.
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As a woman of God, I faithfully serve in ministry at my church (The Worship Center in Mount Clemens). Knowing that though my family has been a major source of support, I can do nothing apart from God (John 15:5).