Honors College’s Mackie chosen as ‘beacon’ by national honors organization

The National Association of African American Honors Programs recently named Deadra James Mackie, assistant professor of biology, as its November “Beacon.” Mackie, an instructor with the Dolores Spikes Honors College, has served as NAAAH treasurer for three years, and has been in involved with other committees. The organization’s leadership applauds her for being “ involved in every significant decision of our organization and strategic in recovering a substantial monetary payment during the year of the 2020 Global Pandemic when most national meetings were encouraged to cancel face-to-face meetings.” She also had had hands-on involvement in the first virtual forum for the organization.

In an NAAAH communication, Mackie said she “loves her job and serves with passion, commitment, and connectedness, leading to a “well mind” — fortified by great interpersonal relationships.”

Mackie is an active member of several organizations, including the National Institute of Science, National Collegiate Honors Council, Society of Toxicology, Southern University Academic Honors Day Program Committee, and  Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She serves on several boards, including Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society as executive secretary and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge as a coach.