MLK Planning Committee
While reflecting on Dr. King's message of civil rights and social justice for all, through nonviolent means, MSU students, faculty, and staff join an all-university committee to plan and deliver powerful events to commemorate his legacy.
Every year, a large group of community members meet monthly between September and January to plan university-wide activities. Many of the activities are student-focused so a subcommittee consisting of registered student leaders meet weekly to plan them. For many years, a variety of programs have been offered that include concerts, student leadership conferences, marches, exhibits, and dinners. These events continue to be well attended and grow larger every year.
It is important to emphasize that Dr. King events are not designed just for individuals who may think alike or even look alike. Practicing one of MSU's core values — inclusion — these events are open to everyone, whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or a member of the broader community. The annual commemoration of Dr. King continues to be one of many ways for individuals and groups at MSU, to engage in respectful dialogues across our differences.
Students meet separately from the larger committee to plan activities that are student-focused. These activities include the Student Leadership Conference and the Commemorative March.
Other students that want to participate and support the efforts of those who are working on the programs are welcomed to join the meetings.
2025-2026 MLK Planning Committee
- Alex Guo, MSU senior majoring in humanities/prelaw
- Amanda Flores, Associate Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Partnerships, College of Education
- Andrea Parker, Executive Board, CTU of MSU
- Andrew Lathrop, Events Coordinator, Libraries
- Becky Jo Farrington, Regional Gift Planning Advisor, Office of Gift Planning
- Brian Johnson, Assistant Dean, James Madison College
- Dan DiMaggio, Director, Student Engagement University Advancement
- De’Ondra Hogan, Educational Program Coordinator, Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration
- Debra Bittner, President, CTU of MSU
- Doreen Gordon, Research Administrator, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
- Dreux Baker, Multicultural Development Manager, Residence Education and Housing Services
- Elbony Hawkins, Administrative Business Manager, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Emily Mata-Garnaat, Events Coordinator, WKAR
- Gabrielle Miller, Educational Program Coordinator, Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration
- Jaela Young, Prevention Education Specialist, Prevention, Outreach and Education Department, Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
- Jakaira Lynn, MSU graduate student majoring in student affairs administration
- Jaimie Hutchinson, Associate Director of Engagement for Health Promotion, Engagement, Accessibility, and Accommodations
- Jason Worley, Coordinator, Student Success Initiatives, Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy
- Kaden Johnson, MSU senior majoring in economics
- K.C. Keyton, Assistant Director, Student Volunteer Programs, Center for Community Engaged Learning
- Mariah Boateng, MSU senior majoring in communication
- Melissa Del Rio, Chief of Staff, The Graduate School & Women of Color Community
- Monzola (Cooke) Whitaker, Special Assistant, Jazz Studies Program
- Rachael Pyram, MSU doctoral student majoring in psychology
- Sharron Reed-Davis, Coalition Coordinator, Student Services
- Tacora Roach, MSU senior majoring in english
- Tammye Coles, Director, Office of Spartan Experiences
Support team:
- Florensio Hernandez, Outreach and Engagement Manager, Inclusive Excellence and Impact
- Leah Ball, Communications Manager II, Office of the Provost
- Richard Taylor, Communications Manager I, Office of the Provost