Howard AVP Becomes First Woman of Color to Be Named President of National College Business Association

Courtesy of Howard University

Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Enterprises LaNiece Tyree, MPA, CASP, was recently elected president of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS), making her the first woman of color, as well as the first from an HBCU, to hold the title. 

Elected on October 29 during the C3X Annual Conference and Expo in Kissimmee, Florida, Tyree now leads the association’s 12-member board, providing strategic oversight and direction for key initiatives and shaping the future of auxiliary services in higher education. Taking on the highest NACAS leadership role, she will guide the organization in its mission to support higher education professionals in auxiliary services across North America.

In her acceptance remarks — quoted in the November NACAS press release —Tyree reflected on the significance of her election and expressed excitement about the future of the association. “As the first woman of color and the first leader from an HBCU in this position, I’m honored to be part of this historic moment. Right now, with Rich Steele as NACAS CEO, we are continuing the work of Dr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr. and pushing NACAS into a future where equity, inclusion, and collaboration drive our mission.”

At the C3X conference, Tyree was also honored with the association’s Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Legacy Award, as well as its East Regional Mentor Award. The legacy award, named for a founder, is given annually to an individual who “exemplifies Dr. Lassiter’s vision, leadership, and commitment to service,” while the mentor award goes to a NACAS member who has “gone above and beyond to welcome new members and encourage greater involvement at the regional and national levels.”