Ogletree expects the group will make recommendations to the administration this year. He hopes that a push for an immigration studies center is part of it. He cites the work of centers at the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Texas and New York University’s immigration studies program.
“I can’t speak for the group, but my sense is there is both some value and some need for a program — and those that have been created at other institutions have been thriving in their contributions to the rich intellectual dialogue on campuses around the country,” Ogletree says.
Ogletree’s opinion matters — even with those at the pinnacle of power.
He was a senior campaign adviser for President Barack Obama. Ogletree was professor and mentor to Obama and his wife, Michelle, from the time they were Harvard law students.
In an intimate gathering after Obama’s inauguration, Ogletree decided to take a more formal approach to the mentee who calls him “Tree.”
“I called him ‘Mr. President’ and he looked at me and laughed,” says Ogletree, who will address his former student that way —unless he decides some first mentor advice is in order.
“If we’re in a room one-on-one and there is a need for some tough love, words might be a little more precise and direct and more meaningful. I think, given his schedule, he’ll hear more from me (than me from him). I’m going to let him know if something needs to be done. But I’m not saying he’ll always follow my advice.”
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