Dr. Roderick D. McClintock is a retired United States Army Sergeant, senior executive, pastor, humanitarian, and community development leader whose life reflects resilience, servant leadership, and a commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities.
A former homeless veteran, Dr. McClintock honorably served the United States Army, where he held numerous leadership assignments and mentored and trained more than 200 military personnel, helping service members develop professionally and advance in rank. His distinguished military career includes numerous awards and decorations, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Dr. McClintock’s academic background includes advanced study in Biblical and Theological Studies and Legal Studies at Liberty University, supported in part by educational opportunities provided through his military service. Currently he serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Upward Bound Ministries, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to humanitarian assistance, social services, workforce development, mentorship, community empowerment, and creating pathways from crisis to stability and self-sufficiency.
Committed to addressing the root causes of community challenges, Dr. McClintock is currently pursuing professional credentials to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), expanding his capacity to serve individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol addiction. His broader vision includes developing Upward Bound Ministries, Inc., as a structured community-service placement partner for eligible individuals fulfilling court-ordered community-service requirements, subject to applicable laws, court requirements, approvals, and appropriate oversight.
Dr. McClintock's humanitarian and community leadership has received Congressional Recognition Awards from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson- Lee and municipal recognition from Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson, District B, City of Houston for his work serving the Greater Houston community, particularly through The Dream Center of Greater Houston and its commitment to Fifth Ward.
On December 7, 2025, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarian Studies from Strategic Growth Leaders Bible University in recognition of his humanitarian service and community leadership.
Active in veterans, civic, fraternal, and professional organizations, Dr. McClintock maintains affiliations with the VFW At-Large member, American Legion # 827, NAACP, Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, 5th Ward Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Greater Houston Veterans, Space City Kings - Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc., JNO G. Lewis Lodge #622, Matthew Ellis, Jr. Consistory No. 370, and As Salam Temple #215.
At the heart of Dr. McClintock's leadership philosophy is a simple conviction: people should not be defined by their past, but empowered to shape their future. Through faith, leadership, education, mentorship, and community investment, he remains committed to helping individuals rise beyond adversity, achieve greater self-sufficiency, and become contributors to the communities they call home.
Dr. McClintock is married to Mrs. Angela McClintock, his partner in ministry, humanitarian service, and community outreach. Together, they remain dedicated to serving families, strengthening communities, and advancing a vision of hope, opportunity, restoration, and transformation throughout Greater Houston.
A Moment That Changed Everything
The story behind Upward Bound Ministries — told by its founder.
What began on a street corner in Columbus, Georgia became a lifelong conviction: that every person deserves dignity, access, and a place to belong—especially in the house of God.
I brought Mr. Willie back to my apartment, gave him clothes from a thrift store, and helped him clean up. That night, he walked into the watch night service—not as someone forgotten, but as someone welcomed.
That moment changed everything.
Born From Conviction
Upward Bound Ministries, Inc. exists because of that encounter. It was born from a conviction that every person deserves dignity, access, and a place to belong—especially in the house of God.
That conviction has never wavered. It is the foundation on which every program, every outreach, and every act of service this organization undertakes is built.
Dignity
Every person carries inherent worth. Our mission begins with seeing and honoring that worth in each individual we serve, regardless of their circumstances.
Access
No door should be closed to someone in need. We work to remove barriers—physical, social, and spiritual—so that all people can receive care and community.
Belonging
Especially in the house of God, every person deserves a place to belong. We exist to build a community where no one is left standing outside.
One Encounter. One Ministry. One Mission.
From a single act of welcome on a Georgia street, a ministry was formed.
Mr. Willie’s question — “Do you think they would let me in their church?” — became the mission statement of Upward Bound Ministries before a single word was ever written down. It is a question we answer every day through our work, our outreach, and our commitment to the communities we serve.
Learn more about the mission and values that guide everything we do.