Robert Magee

Robert Magee is Executive Director of The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD), one of the nation’s largest and oldest engineering societies, representing over 3,300 engineers and 140 companies in Michigan. Founded in 1895, ESD promotes and celebrates excellence, innovation, cooperation, professional growth, and fellowship in the engineering and allied professions. 

Under Magee's leadership, ESD has refocused its mission to maintain Michigan's position as a global hub for engineering and engineering leaders. One of his key initiatives was to establish ESD Student Chapters in each of the 15 universities in Michigan with accredited engineering programs, including Michigan Tech. Coming from an underprivileged background, raised lovingly by a single mother, Robert knows firsthand the importance of providing opportunities to people and of giving back to one’s community. He is a member of the College of Engineering Advisory Board at Michigan Tech.  

"Michigan Tech students are future leaders in engineering and technology,” he said. “I want to make sure they are exposed to all that is happening and changing as we move through the Fourth Industrial Revolution."  

Magee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg. In 1978, he was the first African American inducted into the USM Student Hall of Fame. Robert lives in Oakland Township, Michigan.  

Updated December 2021