James Edwards, executive director of Grand Valley State University’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, can now add Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence for 2012 to his lengthy resume, an award which recognizes African-American men who inspire others through their vision and leadership.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Edwards said. “It probably will at the dinner when they announce the awards.”

Edwards is one of 50 winners out of 200 nominees that will be recognized at the Men of Excellence dinner on June 28 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. Past nominees and award recipients suggest to “Michigan Chronicle” who they think stands out that year. H. James Williams, dean of the Seidman College of Business, nominated Edwards.

The win was a surprised and honor to Edwards, an award that he never thought he would receive.

“I don’t do what I do to get recognition,” he said, adding that he is a behind-the-scenes person and prefers to share the spotlight with the rest of the Johnson Center staff.

Edwards became the executive director of the Johnson Center in 2009 after being director of field education for the school in social work starting in 2003.

Leading up to receiving the title of Men of Excellence, Edwards started his career as a residential counselor at Bethany Christian Services for teen sex offenders. He said that got him into the field of social work. Following that, he worked in foster care, in-home therapy, was a juvenile probation officer, and then entered into the mental health system.

Although Edwards has been one of Michigan’s most inspiring men for this year, he said that many people have inspired him, including Martin Luther King Jr., one of his heroes growing up. Though Edwards was too young at the time to actually see him speak in the flesh, he said that MLK “woke up the consciousness” for the country in regards to how people should treat others.

“It’s not measured in money,” Edwards said about people who inspire. “It’s beyond that. It’s always inspiring to be around people who represent the human spirit.”

Matthew Downey, program director of nonprofit services for the Johnson Center, believes that his former-colleague-turned-boss has a “great eye in organizing thought in a sensible and sustainable way.”

Downey, who himself received the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award, said that Edwards not only cares for people, but he thinks strategically and has a general care for the well-bring of others..

Downey is also familiar with awards as he recently won the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award.

“He is another example of our bench strength,” Downey said.

With having focused much of his doctoral research on social work and technology, Edwards considers himself a “news junkie” who takes in current events on his iPad as much as possible. With the rest of his spare time, the Grand Rapids native, finds relaxation on his motorcycle and the golf course, though he admitted that GVSU’s own Meadows golf course is a tough one.

Edwards said what makes his job the best is not recognition through awards like Man of Excellence, but his co-workers, who he said are “some of the best people, the coolest people” who make an effort in changing conditions for communities.

“I’ve been fortunate to have great role models, and wonderful family and community support,” Edwards said. “So this award is a tribute to them as well as a tribute to Grand Valley, for taking a chance on me.”

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