March 03, 2025

Administration

By Office of Communications

Cateatra D. Mallard

Cateatra Mallard first Black woman, HBCU representative elected to NACA Board

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Director of the Efferson Student Union & Activities Cateatra D. Mallard has been elected to the National Association for Campus Activities Board of Directors. Mallard will serve a three-year term starting May 1, 2025.

"I am extremely humbled and grateful to be voted into this position. I’ve had the privilege of serving in many volunteer leadership roles within the association, and being a board member has been a dream and goal of mine throughout my career,” Mallard Shared. “I am elated to continue to make history as the first Black woman selected from a Historical Black College & University and furthermore represent the #1 Public HBCU.”

The director went on to share the immense sense of pride she felt in being able to serve on a platform that showcases the talents, skills, voices, and rich culture of HBCUs and historically marginalized communities.

Bomani Spell, associate vice president of Student Affairs, said he was thrilled to learn of Mallard’s appointment. He described it as a testament to her diligence, commitment, and the esteem she holds in the community.

“The leadership and vision exhibited by Cateatra will undoubtedly infuse fresh ideas and innovative approaches to the issues encountered within the field. I am very much looking forward to observing how her contribution will assist in guiding the organization toward triumph while maintaining a culture of teamwork. Her dedication to returning something to society, as well as her passion for contributing positively to the campus activity environment, is most inspiring,” said Spell, who also serves as dean of students at FAMU.

Among Mallard’s many accomplishments, she touts herself as a proud graduate of Hampton University, receiving her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in counseling with a concentration in student affairs administration. She is currently pursuing an Executive Ph.D. in higher education from Jackson State University.

Mallard has dedicated 10 years to student engagement, leadership development, and elevating student experiences. A NACA release describes her as a change agent who leads with passion, purpose, integrity, and humility.

“Student involvement is a pillar within the student experience as well as student success, and it gives me great joy knowing I was trusted to be voted into such an esteemed position by so many colleagues and institutions," she said.

The NACA Board of Directors comprises nine volunteers of current school member institutions. The board exists to serve the association’s membership and works together as a team to strategize, plan, and oversee NACA’s future health and viability. The board consists of three officers – chair, chair-elect, and immediate past chair (who also serves as treasurer), and six general board members.

According to their website, board members are the association leaders who guide the organization toward a vibrant and sustainable future by adopting and adhering to sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies. Board members are responsible for ensuring the association has adequate resources to advance its mission.


Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu

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