By: Brandi Stover
For Honors College alumnus Charlie McLravy, no one path forward was the best path forward.
As a 1973 graduate of the Broad College of Business and on the way to law school, he veered away from his planned life path for the first time when he decided to take (and subsequently passed) the CPA exam. He eventually chose to attend law school, where he then practiced law at a Detroit-based law firm.
However, it didn’t take long for him to realize his passions lay elsewhere, so he switched his career for the third time before he turned 30.
“I wanted a chance to explore my passions, so I joined an advertising agency,” McLravy said. “I held the Raid and OFF! bug spray account for a bit and really enjoyed it.”
He eventually moved back to his home state of Michigan and found himself at another crossroads. To no surprise, he made a new path for himself, deciding to buy a radio station. He became an entrepreneur, creating a radio and television company that spanned most of the country.
“I enjoyed working in the media industry because I had more freedom in my work life,” McLravy said. “I really liked being my own boss and the opportunity that came with being self-employed.”
Eventually, McLravy shifted careers again and now owns a billboard company. Today, he splits his time between running this business and pursuing another, more fulfilling passion.
“I have always loved to read,” McLravy said. “When I was growing up, reading was one of my primary activities. That was one of the motivations behind my decision to become a published author.”
Carving a new path as a novelist
Under the pen name Charles Cutter, McLravy authors the award-winning Burr Lafayette courtroom drama mystery series. The five-book, soon-to-be six-book, series follows Burr Lafayette, a brilliant but troubled lawyer. All the books are set in notable locations across the state of Michigan.
The first novel in the series, The Pink Pony, won the first prize in the Global Book Awards and was named a #1 Amazon Bestseller.
McLravy in front of The Pink Pony
The Burr Lafayette series To learn more about McLravy’s novels, click here.
Giving back to the Honors College
McLravy recently established an estate gift to the Honors College as a thank you for supporting him during his time as a Spartan.
He is the third of four generations to graduate from MSU, and his mother was also an Honors College alumna.
“The Honors College was a great fit for me,” McLravy said. “I was getting a business degree but also getting a liberal arts education because the Honors College gave me flexibility when choosing my classes.”
“This had a huge impact on my life because it allowed me to explore my passions and led me to where I am today,” McLravy said.
His gift will create a discretionary endowment fund. The Honors College dean will use the annual interest this fund generates to support the college and its students.
The discretionary piece gives great flexibility as needs change and opportunities arise.
Discover your path at the Honors College
McLravy’s often changing and untraditional career path serves as an example for students unsure of their future post-graduation. He is a testament to the power that passion, flexibility, and open-mindedness can have on important decisions in life.
He urges Honors College students to follow their own path, wherever that may take them.
“Life is an adventure and no decision you make is permanent,” McLravy said. “Take chances and follow your dreams. Life is what you make it.”
The Honors College thanks Charlie McLravy and his wife Christi for their generous donation.