/ BSA Executive Board

BSA Executive Board

This year’s Black Student Association executive board consists of 9 members. Each board member brings a unique and insightful perspective that allows the board to create successful events, fellowship, and overall community engagement. Furthermore, as members of the BSA executive board, we find pride in providing a safe space for black students at Appalachian State University. In conclusion, we strive to uplift and also connect to the black community at Appalachian State University. 

Peyton Joyner, President

Hi everyone! My name is Peyton Joyner. I’m a junior English major with a concentration in secondary education and a minor in communications. I am beyond happy to be serving as the 2023-2024 president for BSA. I joined this organization to develop a deeper connection to the black community on campus. Along with this I wanted to help serve the betterment of the black community on this campus through providing safe spaces and other ways to empower our community. I hope to meet you all during my time as president!

Kam Smith, Vice 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.

Kendall Wade, Secretary & Treasurer

Hi, my name is Kendall Wade. I am a senior Sustainable Development major with a minor in Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies. I am the 2023-2024 BSA secretary and treasurer. My job is to keep track of our organization’s finances and assist any members who need a helping hand. 

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 junior student pursuing my bachelor’s in the WCOB as an International Business Major. I am the current Historian and 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!

Christiana Wright, Programming Chair

Hey everybody! My name is Christiana Wright, I am a senior Computer Science major and am working this year as a 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. 

Shantay Chambers, Programming Chair

My name is Shantay Chambers, I am a Senior Exercise Science major. I am one of the programming chairs for the 23-24 year and my job is to create fun programs and events for students. I  joined BSA to form connections with POC on this campus.

Zaria Gray, Marketing Chair

Hey everyone! My name is Zaria Gray and I am a senior majoring in Graphic Communication Management with a Concentration in Cross-Media Production with a minor in Digital Marketing & Studio Art. I am the 2023-2024 Marketing Chair. As marketing chair my job is to manage our social media page and create the flyers for each event BSA holds. Another responsibility I hold is sending out weekly emails detailing various events held by different organizations on campus.

Maddie Strickland, Marketing Chair

Hi everyone! My name is Maddie Strickland, and this is my second 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.

Laide Onikoyi, Public Relations Chair

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

Olivia Shepherd, Chief of Staff

My name is Olivia Shepherd and I am a senior Elementary Education Major with a concentration in Social Studies. I currently serve as the Chief of Staff for the Black Student Association. I have been a part of BSA for four years now and I joined to help promote and provide safe spaces and Black-centered programs and events to build a better community for Black students and students of color on campus.

Jaden Hatcher, Future Chief of Staff

Hi, my name is Jaden Hatcher. I am 20 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.

Rachel Shields, Intern

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.

Kori Lee, Intern

Hi, my name is Kori and I am an 18-year-old freshman here at App State! I am a Nursing major from Baltimore, Maryland but I now live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, I am also an intern for BSA this year. I joined this organization because when I applied to App State, my family was worried about me going to a PWI and that inspired me to make a difference and hopefully improve engagement from people of color within the community and make some lasting friendships!