Royce L. Dickerson is currently a Master of Business Administration candidate at the Manderson Graduate School of Business and president of the UA Graduate Student Association.
He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from UA and is also a licensed Realtor. During his time on campus, he has been involved in organizations such as Capstone Men and Women, where he served as president, the Blackburn Institute, the Honors College, SGA, Jasons Senior Men’s Honorary and various honor societies. Because of his campus involvement, he received the 2021 Alumni Student Award from the UA National Alumni Association.
What were some of GSA’s highlights this past academic year?
We continued to elevate our role in supporting graduate students by hosting a series of events and programs that met the expanding needs of graduate students. My personal favorite was “Grads, Greets, and Sweets,” a networking event with UA President Stuart R. Bell, Graduate School staff, faculty, and students from various departments and programs. We continued advocating for our fellow students through service on University standing committees, our House of Delegates and the SEC Coalition.
Most notably, we appointed our first-ever vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. This position is charged with ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of creating a fair and inclusive environment for all, especially those who have been historically marginalized. The year ended with us being recognized as the Most Outstanding Graduate Student Organization during the Division of Student Life’s Service and Leadership Awards.
What are some of the GSA’s goals and major projects for the 2022-2023 academic year?
Our aim is to expand our reach across campus through new partnerships with an array of organizations and departments, providing opportunities for graduate students to explore every level of student life at the Capstone. Key emphasis will be placed on ensuring graduate students, both current and prospective, feel welcomed and invited into the campus community. We will ensure students are aware of programming and policies regarding GSA, whether the information stems from our executive branch or house of delegates.
How can students get involved with the GSA?
Throughout the year, we host a series of town hall sessions, allowing members of GSA’s executive council and house of delegates the opportunity to speak directly to their governing body. To stay updated and involved with GSA’s events, programming and initiatives, I encourage you to follow our endeavors on our website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or contact us at gsa@ua.edu.
What was the biggest lesson the GSA learned from the past year that will continue to make an impact on the association?
A consistent need that we recognized over the past year was to meet students where they are. We must be creative with our evaluation and support efforts and encourage students to use the resources the University has to offer. Given this insight, we are placing greater emphasis on distance learners and non-traditional students by ensuring that they are represented in leadership and strategic planning. Through intentional interactions and personal investments within GSA, we stand to gain a multitude of impactful relations. Fellow graduate students are one of the greatest assets the University has, and it is our responsibility to cultivate that. As we navigate and learn from the challenges the pandemic has presented, we are reaching out and listening to students to ensure that what we are doing is improving the quality of life for graduate students and their support systems.
What drives your work within GSA and who all works behind the scenes to make it all happen?
I am privileged to work with a great team every day on behalf of the graduate student body. We work in a meaningful and considerate manner with full understanding of the trust our fellow graduate students have placed in us as they navigate campus life, both academically and socially. We could not do what we do without the support of our entire University community, the Graduate School, the Division of Student Life and our GSA executive council. These seven vice presidents, alongside our advisor, make my job possible, and I could not imagine serving in GSA without them.
Executive Vice President: Dalis Lampkins
Vice President of Operations: Marie Winchester
Vice President of Academic Affairs: Daniel Leon
Vice President of Financial Affairs: Grace Brandon
Vice President of Student Engagement: Kim Jacks
Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Joyce Jekayinoluwa
Vice President of Public Relations: Leah Mae Aldridge
GSA Advisor: Tierney Jenkins
Contact
Jennifer Brady, UA Strategic Communications, jennifer.brady@ua.edu