Denison University · Black Alumni Association

About Us

Our History, Leadership & Structure

Fifty years of connecting Black alumni to Denison and to each other.

The Black Alumni Association of Denison University (BAA) was formed in 1975 to ensure that alumni remain connected to Denison and to one another long after graduation. Established under the authority of the BAA Bylaws, the Association operates as an independent alumni organization governed by an elected Executive Board.

Over time, the BAA has evolved from a reunion-centered alumni group into a structured, mission-driven organization focused on strengthening student success, expanding access to mentorship and career opportunities, growing the value of the alumni network, and contributing to the development of peer alumni associations.

The BAA supports a range of student and community-focused initiatives aligned with educational and charitable purposes, including mentorship, career readiness, economic opportunity and student support programming designed to improve academic persistence and post-graduate outcomes.

While rooted in the Denison experience, the BAA's programming is designed to deliver meaningful benefits to students and to the broader communities in which alumni live and work across the country and globally.

Visual Resource
A visual timeline of the BAA's history →
Leadership

2025–2027 Executive Board

President
Class of '88
Vice President
Class of '86
Secretary
Class of '91
Treasurer
Vacant
Historian
Class of '89
Parliamentarian
Class of '88
Vision & Mission
To build the #1 student and alumni support system of any private liberal arts college in the country.

Our Vision

To build the #1 student and alumni support system of any private liberal arts college in the country.

Our Objectives

To promote communication, mentorship, and professional development that strengthen student success, expand access to opportunity, and build a more connected and impactful alumni community.

Governance

Leadership & Structure

The BAA is governed by an elected Executive Board, as defined in Article V of the Bylaws. Officers serve two-year terms.

  • PresidentChief executive officer; liaison to university partners; presides over meetings
  • Vice PresidentOversees standing committees and student-facing programming
  • SecretaryMaintains official records and BAA procedural history
  • HistorianManages archives, storytelling, and communications
  • TreasurerOversees financial records, reporting, and fund stewardship
  • ParliamentarianSupports compliance with Robert's Rules and bylaw interpretation

To ensure clarity, accountability, and sustainability, the BAA operates through four standing committees.

Governance & Bylaws

Protects structural integrity and legitimacy.

Finance & Fund Development

Oversees budget and stewardship.

Programs & Mentorship

Leads student-facing initiatives and mentorship programming.

Communications & Membership

Manages newsletters, directory, website, and outreach.

If you support the mission and purpose of the BAA — we invite you to engage, contribute, and join us as we build the most durable alumni support system in the liberal arts landscape.

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