BSA Executive Board

Kam Smith, President

My name is Kameron Smith and I am a third-year Marketing major with a concentration in Sales. I currently am the Vice President for the Black Student Association and I joined this position for the opportunity to play a role in the cultural advancement here at Appalachian State University. I love the outdoors, new experiences, and environments involving community, motivation, and inspiration.

Jaden Hatcher,  Chief of Staff

Hi, my name is Jaden Hatcher. I am 21 years old, and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I am a transfer Sophomore here at Appalachian State University. My major is Digital Marketing. I am currently on the Black Student Association executive board and will be the Chief of Staff for the next school year. I joined BSA to help grow, improve, and inspire the black community around App State.

  Tatianna Lightsey, Historian

Hey! My name is Tatianna Lightsey and I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan. I am a transfer student from Central Piedmont/ Cato MCHS in Charlotte, NC. I am a senior student pursuing my bachelor’s in the WCOB as an International Business Major. I am the current Historian  & Co- Marketing chair, I joined BSA to connect with other multicultural and black students on our campus. BSA also allows me to get involved on campus and make the most of my time here at Appalachian State University!

Laide Onikoyi, Secretary & Treasurer

Hey! My name is Laide Onikoyi and I am a junior Public health major from Greensboro, NC. I am the secretary and treasurer through BSA I hope to help bring more African American students together here at App. 

Christiana Wright, Head Programming Chair

Hey everybody! My name is Christiana Wright, I am a Computer Science major and am working this year as the head programming chair for BSA. Being apart of this organization, for me, has been a great opportunity to meet other students of color on campus and create connections with them. 

Crystal Wright, Co-Programming Chair

Hello everyone! My name is Crystal and I am a senior majoring in Computer Science. I joined BSA as one of the Co-Programming Representatives. I’m excited to build deeper connections with other black students and give back to the community here at App in any way that I can.

Maddie Strickland, Head Marketing Chair

Hi everyone! My name is Maddie Strickland, and this is my third year at App State. I’m a Psychology major with a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am extremely proud to be a part of BSA as a marketing co-chair.

Rachel Shields, Co-Marketing Chair

Hey everyone! My name is Rachel Shields, I am a freshman Studio Arts major and I am currently an intern for BSA. I joined BSA at App State to connect with other black students and because I wanted to be more involved in our community within ASU.

David Itson, Head of Community Outreach & Co-Programming Chair

David Itson, an accounting sophomore, holds dual roles as Head of Community Outreach and Co-programming Chair. He’s an active member of the Black Male Excellence Initiative (BMEI) and a dedicated small business owner, managing a tutoring service. Passionate about community engagement and education, David brings a blend of leadership and entrepreneurial spirit to his endeavors.

 Jayden Haynes, Community Outreach Chair

What’s good everyone, I’m Jayden Haynes! I’m a sophomore from Mooresville, NC, majoring in Food Systems Management (It’s like a business degree for restaurants) and also minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I’m a Beaver Scholar, the Black Student Representative for SGA, a tour guide, and a part of the Black Male Excellence Initiative here on campus. I’m passionate about Culinary Arts and will pursue my culinary degree upon graduation here. I love to give back to the community and uplift my people. I have helped plan many events in my community such as a back-to-school drive and community culinary experience. This year I will be the Community Outreach Representative and excited to help BSA flourish in the community!