DAVID MAGEE

About David

David Magee is the bestselling author of the award-winning book Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss. Featured on CBS Mornings, Dear William is a Publisher’s Weekly national bestseller, a Best Book of the South 2021 (Reckon), and it received a Starred Review from Kirkus. David's forthcoming book is A Little Crazy: A Memoir of Finding Purpose and Joy Amid the Madness (September 2024).


His guide book Things Have Changed: What Every Parent (and Educator) Should Know About the Student Mental Health, Substance Misuse Crisis published in August 2023, is an expansion of the popular mental health and substance misuse talk he delivers in schools.


David is a sought-after speaker in schools, universities and companies nationwide, addressing students and parents about mental health and substance misuse challenges and solutions, and an educational and motivational speaker to businesses and non-profits about finding lasting joy and purpose. His message about what is often a difficult topic is well-received by audiences because it is inspirational and  useable.


H's a creator of the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi. The Magee Institute is named after David's late son, William, who died of an accidental drug overdose. 


Few individuals have spoken in person since COVID to as many students about mental health and substance misuse as David. He's engaged with tens of thousands of students, parents and educators since 2021, delivering his educational and stigma-breaking message.


In addition to the Magee Institute, David helped inspire and create the William Magee Center for Wellness Education at the University of Mississippi, which focuses on helping students on campus with alcohol and other drug education and support.


David has been a daily newspaper publisher, a media company president, an award-winning columnist for newspapers and Newsweek, a small business owner, a regular guest on CNBC, and once hosted a national cable TV and radio program — The David Magee Show.


He is the author of a dozen books including How Toyota Became #1 (Penguin), named a Top 10 Business Book of the Year from the American Library Association, and The Education of Mr. Mayfield, a best book of the South (2009). Other books include The John Deere Way (Wiley) and Playing to Win: Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys (Random).

David and his wife, Kent, live in Oxford, Mississippi.

David Magee connects with parents and students on the topic of substance misuse and personal responsibility like few people I have witnessed. He started a movement … and he hasn’t let up since—inspiring students and parents as a speaker and starting a university wellness center. His voice resonates with vulnerability and common sense, with a story every parent and every student can benefit from.”

—Dr. Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of Massachusetts


Contact David Magee's representatives regarding speaking or media inquiries.

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