About Us

Our History

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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.

2025-2027
Executive Board

President: Aaron Laramore '88'
Vice President: Martin Jones '86'

Secretary: Demitrus Evans '91'

Treasurer: Vacant

Historian: Felice Harris '89'

Parliamentarian: James Thornton '88'

Vision & Mission

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.

Leadership & Structure

The BAA is governed by an elected Executive Board, as defined in Article V of the Bylaws consisting of:

President – Chief executive officer; liaison to university partners; presides over meetings
Vice President – Oversees standing committees and student-facing programming
Secretary – Maintains official records and BAA procedural history
Historian – Manages archives, storytelling, and communications

The Association has established the following positions pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the Bylaws

Treasurer – Oversees financial records, reporting, and fund stewardship
Parliamentarian – Supports compliance with Robert’s Rules and bylaw interpretation

Officers serve two-year terms.

Standing Committees

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

Governance & Bylaws Committee – Protects structural integrity and legitimacy.
Finance & Fund Development Committee – Oversees budget and stewardship.
Programs & Mentorship Committee – Leads student-facing initiatives and mentorship programming.
Communications & Membership Committee – Manages newsletters, directory, website, and outreach.

Each committee has a defined scope of work, leadership structure, and reporting cadence to ensure consistent execution and transparency.

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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