By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University’s Cateatra Mallard was recently named a 2024 Achievement Award Honoree by the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Mallard received the Patsy Morley Outstanding Programmer Award and will be recognized in Pittsburgh, Pa., during the NACA Live Convention Feb. 23-26.
“I’m still navigating the feeling because I don’t do the work I do for awards. I do it because I love students,” said Mallard, director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (CSEL).
The outstanding programmer award is an annual award that honors the late Patsy Morley, a former chair of the NACA board of directors, who transitioned in 1981. It was established to honor individuals who best exemplify outstanding achievement in the advisement of campus activities.
Mallard is one of 10 awardees and the only Black woman and representative of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
“This award feels very special because I represent a historically black college and university. Furthermore, I’m the only Black woman honoree and the only person representing a minority-serving institution. I think it is very telling of the work that we do here and how that has impacted students,” Mallard said. “We’re propelling this area, the ideas, elevating the students’ ideas, and curating a student experience that they want, and we meet it with what we already have in place for the traditions that we are doing.”
Mallard oversees Weeks of Welcome, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Campus Activities Board, Royal Court, Student Government Association, and over 70 registered student organizations. The CSEL office has helped to curate events such as Welcome Week, Midnight Breakfast, Homecoming, changing the culture of student elections, and more.
“Student leadership and engagement are critical to the success of Jackson State and its students. I am so excited that NACA has honored Cateatra’s work and dedication to students and the field. She has been focused on the journey of students and making sure that they are at the forefront of curating activities that will transform and impact their collegiate experiences,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D.
The vice president praised Cateatra for using her skills and experience with NACA to help propel JSU students to think differently about programming.
“She brought them to the national conference last year, and this year, they are presenting. HBCUs do an outstanding job of nurturing and supporting students while helping them cultivate their leadership skills. Cateatra being the only Black woman and the only person from an HBCU is a testament to her work and dedication.”
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