In a world often driven by quick answers and surface-level understanding, a local educator stands apart – an unwavering advocate for curiosity, self-inquiry, and critical thought. More than just an educator, Marcus LeGrand acts as a catalyst for transformation, challenging those he mentors to dig deeper, question more, and engage the world with open minds and resilient spirits. He inspires those around him to discover their own agency, recognizing it as both a powerful tool and a pathway toward shaping their lives with intention and purpose.
A meaningful education goes beyond academics – it cultivates true knowledge, nurtures self-worth and lays the foundation for personal agency. As LeGrand sees it, one of his deepest callings is to walk alongside his students and fellow community members, helping them discover their own agency – the quiet power to shape not only their own futures, but also the world around them. Essentially, ‘agency’ is about empowerment: a sense of control over one’s circumstances and the freedom to make purposeful choices with intention and clarity.
LeGrand is deeply passionate about learning, viewing the pursuit of knowledge as a bridge between the past and a brighter future. He often responds to questions with questions of his own, challenging others to think critically, seek understanding, and step out of their comfort zones. “There’s a difference between information and knowledge. Information is being thrown at us daily, but I want to encourage people to look beyond what you are told, take a deep dive, investigate, and study a topic three times over before you start talking about it,” LeGrand emphasizes. “I think this is one of the most critical pieces for students and their families, for all of us.”
“We must also return to the understanding that people inherently possess agency – the right to have a voice and make choices and shape their own lives,” states LeGrand. But, agency isn’t just something granted; people must choose it. “We need to allow grace and understanding for everyone, and the space to simply be human. That is all I want for my students, for everyone.”
Indeed, as a father, LeGrand believes allowing his own children to have agency over their lives is essential. “I want them to have the freedom to engage without being stressed, harassed, and I want them to be able to use their skills and abilities to create impactful change.”
“Our youth are more in tune with what is going on in the world than we realize,” LeGrand states. “And, if we listen to them, they can help build what is necessary in our communities. For our kids to have a voice and a choice, we need to build systems for them. Things are always shifting and changing, we must do the same.”
A resident of Central Oregon for ten years, LeGrand grew up in Badin, North Carolina. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing, later earning a master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy from Rowan University. LeGrand and his wife, a local OB/GYN, planned to retire in the Pacific Northwest, but made a decision to move up that timeline. “When our kids were five and three, we just decided it was the right time to make the move and relocated to Central Oregon,” states LeGrand. “Now they are 15 and 13, so that gives you a little insight to where we are right now… our kids have pretty much grown up here, this is our home base.”
One thing LeGrand loves about Bend is that so many people move here intentionally to get away from larger metro areas. “People move here to find peace of mind, so we are surrounded by people who are looking for grace and peace.”
Growing up with the support and encouragement of a large extended family, LeGrand acknowledges the advantage that afforded him. “I grew up in an activist, religious, entrepreneurial household,” he shares. “Finding creative ways to bring resources in was probably the number one thing I learned. We were taught respect, a strong work ethic, how to learn, but also how to apply that knowledge. We were taught to work hard and smart, but also how to observe how all things are connected. And, we were taught our worth.”
LeGrand is the Afrocentric Program Coordinator and a part-time instructor at Central Oregon Community College (COCC). He is a Bend La Pine School District Board Member and Chair of the Board, as well as a co-founder and legacy member of The Father’s Group in Bend. He also works as a consultant with elected officials and business leaders across the country on equitable practices. Additionally, he can be found offering assistance for events that bring the community together.
“I think my major professional role is networker and community organizer,” LeGrand remarks. “I’m an educator all day long, but I don’t give myself labels, I’m just not big on that. If you see me wearing different hats, I’m still just doing one thing – I am trying to make sure people have the right information to make decisions so that they can have agency within themselves and their lives. That’s my primary job.”
When it comes to the question of diversity, LeGrand says that wherever there is diversity, there is potential for deep connection. He believes that rather than seeing diversity as a divide or collection of ‘others,’ it should be recognized as a gathering of people, each striving to get things right, together. “When you have more diverse ideas, you have more diverse solutions,” LeGrand states. In this way, diversity becomes a foundation, not a fracture, for a stronger, more unified community.
“My responsibility as I’ve gotten older is to give all the information I have to my students. To help them find their passion, figure out where they are going and how to get there,” reflects LeGrand. “That way, no matter the community they find themselves in, they feel empowered to exercise their freedom of choice, voice and feel like they are part of society. I want them to recognize that they have the skills to be able to create their future. They just must dig in and do the work.”
For those who want to make a difference – whether with youth or in any part of their community – LeGrand encourages starting by finding organizations already doing the work. “Ask how your skills can support their mission,” he says. “Don’t enter with a ‘know-it-all’ attitude, but rather as a true advocate. The first step toward real change is listening – then rolling up your sleeves and getting to work.”
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” LeGrand emphasizes. Connection, he believes, is the key to change. “Isolation is detrimental to moving forward and moving on. We all long for connection and when we seek that and build community, we are stronger together.”
"... people inherently possess agency – the right to have a voice and make choices... "
"We all long for connection and when we seek that and build community, we are stronger together."