10 Within 10 Recognition

2025 10 Within 10: David J. Kobel

2016, College of Education and Human Services 
Bachelor of Science, Biology Teacher Education

David is a training coordinator for the National Center for School Safety, where he supports programs that help schools nationwide build stronger, safer learning environments. With a background in biology, public health and education, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his work.

David’s commitment to service began during his years at CMU, where he held leadership roles in Beta Theta Pi, the Leadership Institute, and the Office of Student Success. Those formative experiences taught him to lead with humility, confidence, and purpose, and set the tone for a career focused on creating change through education.

Since graduating, David has remained an active part of the CMU community, mentoring students, supporting teacher preparation efforts and leading alumni initiatives. He met his wife, Abi Seeber, ’16, at CMU Homecoming in 2012, and the couple married on the anniversary of their meeting. “When you meet a leader in Michigan,” David says, “there’s a decent chance they’ve worn the maroon and gold.”

In addition to his undergraduate degree in biology teacher education from CMU, David holds a master's in educational leadership and policy, as well as a Master of Public Health in health behavior and health education from the University of Michigan.

We asked our 10 Within 10 honorees to reflect on their time at Central, share some wisdom with current students, and talk about what it means to them to be a CMU Chippewa.

What has been your coolest moment since graduation? Marrying my wife, Abi Seeber, ’16. We met at Homecoming 2012, on Oct. 20. We wed seven years later on Oct. 20, 2019.

What is your fondest memory of CMU? An amalgamation of memories walking from Main Street to the Education and Human Services building on temperate spring days. It was all but guaranteed to run into a friend along the route, usually while cutting through the UC.

Do you have any advice for students coming to CMU? You'll leave Central with a degree, but also milestones and memories. Collect your milestones to fulfill yourself professionally: your certificates, volunteer experiences, journal publications, research and coursework. Collect your memories to fulfill yourself personally: staying up too late talking about life, challenging your comfort zone, joining an SRO and making new friends.

What advice would you give to new graduates? “Take a place wherever you are and be somebody. Get action." — Theodore Roosevelt.

What has your work life taught you? Lifelong learning is irreplicable. Continuing to learn, unlearn and challenge oneself give professional life its flavor. 

Why should CMU Chippewas dedicate their time and give back to the university? Most of us have benefitted from alumni and friends of the university. Giving back is just that, continuing to build a bridge for the next generation of CMU Chippewas.

What has being involved with CMU after graduation meant to you? It has been a great pleasure. From attending sporting events, to leading Beta Theta Pi's House Corporation and hosting pre-service teachers, I always leave experiences with my bucket a little bit more full.

What connections have you made through CMU? I have made many without realizing it. Often, I'll work with an extraordinary person and later learn they are a CMU alumnus. Two empowering principals I worked for, Steve Poole and Cory Gildersleeve, are CMU alumni. The chair of the Ph.D. program I’m starting this fall, Matthew Diemer, is a Central Michigan alumnus. When you meet a leader in Michigan, there's a decent chance they've worn maroon and gold.

What people or experiences at CMU helped you succeed? There are so many. The Leadership Institute and Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life challenged me to be the best version of myself. Erica Johnson especially supported me to be the best campus leader I could be. These experiential opportunities allowed me to quickly establish myself as a professional leader after graduation.

What does being a CMU Chippewa mean to you? Pride. Central is not atop academic rankings, but every year CMU churns out the movers and shakers of our state. My lessons learned at Central Michigan University and Bullock Creek High School will always be cornerstones of my character.