JSU student leaders provide peers with tips on diversity and inclusion at national convention

By William H. Kelley

Eight Jackson State University (JSU) students were selected to attend NACA Live, a national convention hosted by the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). These scholars traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to present on diversity, inclusion and maintaining holistic well-being alongside JSU’s Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (CSEL).

JSU students Mya Grimes, Desmond Washington, Karrington Childs, Caleab Pickens, Jessica Bohanna, Anaya Adams, Quandaveous Gilliam and Skylarr Mitchell joined hundreds of schools, artists, agencies, and businesses at NACA Live, where “the best in campus activities” were showcased.

“As a student leader and young professional, the NACA Convention provided me with the opportunity to enhance my communication skills and network with fellow student leaders and professionals beyond the HBCU scene. This exposure will best prepare me for future endeavors in my professional field,” said Mitchell, a senior mass communications major and the current president of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) at JSU.

Her presentation titled “Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: Enhancing On-Campus Events at HBCUs” focused on “encoding diversity and inclusion in higher education,” emphasizing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs. This is her second time attending NACA Live, but her first time attending as a presenter.

Grimes, a student-athlete and the current sophomore class president says that the knowledge and experiences gained from leading at an HBCU are valuable locally and nationally. She presented alongside Pickens to discuss “Balancing Engagement and Holistic Well Being – A Comprehensive Guide to Active Involvement.”

“The room was packed with engaged participants with people waiting at the door to enter. Participants broke off into small groups, got up and active, and from their feedback, gained something from our presentation – which was the ultimate goal,” said Grimes, a St. Louis, Missouri native. “I would not have been able to present with so much passion if I had not had the opportunities in student-leadership, athletics, and being a well-rounded student that JSU has equipped me with.”

According to the campus leaders, their time in Pittsburgh was well spent networking and overcoming fears. JSU made history as the first HBCU to host this many educational sessions for NACA Live.

Childs exclaimed that his peers at other institutions were able to introduce new material to their schools following his presentation. The junior business administration major led a session titled “Setting the Pace for the Year: Creating a Dynamic Welcome Week Experience” with Gilliam.

“My biggest takeaway from the conference is being able to connect with other like-minded individuals who serve in the same position as I do at their institution. I gained better programming skills, and my presentation went great,” said Childs, who currently serves as the assistant director of programming for CAB.

They were escorted by Cateatra Mallard and Kelsey Baker, who serve as the director and assistant director for CSEL, respectively. Mallard was recognized by NACA as the Patsy Morley Outstanding Programmer Award recipient and a 2024 Achievement Award Honoree.