Re-Elect Melissa Bickham

RE-ELECT

BACKGROUND

ABOUT MELISSA

With nearly 20 years of professional experience in delivery and design of information technology training; customer relations; and project management, Melissa Bickham is now owner and operator of Optimal Global Solutions, Inc. - a progressive, technical consulting company. Her professional experiences have included work with companies such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; the U.S. Department of Defense; Computer Associates; IBM; Computer Generated Solutions, Inc.; and Dendrite International. She is active in several professional, civic and service organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she is a lifetime member of the NAACP.

A native of Franklinton, Louisiana, Ms. Bickham earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Grambling in 1993. She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

MELISSA'S COMMITMENT TO GRAMBLING

Melissa Bickham assumed the presidency of the Grambling University National Alumni Association in January 2013 with the platform theme: “One Vision, One Village, One Mission, One Grambling!”

Ms. Bickham’s goal as National President is to continue to promote unity amongst Grambling State University alumni, faculty, students, key stakeholders and friends to yield a stronger Grambling. Her areas of focus include, but are not limited to: increasing scholarship opportunities for current and prospective students; recruiting students to Grambling; and building membership within GUNAA.

Ms. Bickham holds a true love for and commitment to her alma mater as evidenced by her many years of active participation in GUNAA. Prior to her presidency, she served as the organization’s Vice President and was a representative for the Southeastern Region. She has also held numerous positions with the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter and is a charter member of Rocky Mountain Chapter in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

GUNAA Membership Database

Utilize a membership database to capture information on alumni to engage and build stronger relationships.
Safely secure key membership information that can help with communicating with various stakeholders about how to support Grambling State University and GUNAA.

University Funding Campaign

Support the University's goals to raise funds in order to provide annual scholarships to deserving students.
Provide funding for aid to students in need of assistance with tuition and books.
Provide funds for the purchase of at least 2 endowments for the university.
Special projects focused on campus improvements to enhance the student experience.

Recruitment and Retention

Strategically align with university recruiting and admissions department to provide grass roots recruiting by alumni.
Create and cultivate programs that provide professional development, support mentorships and networking opportunities among alumni and current students.
Partner with Career Services and provide alumni support to focus on resume writing, interviewing and networking skills.

LEADERSHIP TENURE SUCCESSES

HBCU Digest's Finalist for 2014 National Alumni Association of the Year
Reactivated suspended chapters and activated new chapters
Implemented financial management procedures
Implemented online payment system for dues and contributions utilizing Priority Payments
Built relationships with affinity groups which resulted in the expansion of alumni contributions including the Gamma Gamma Chapter alumni from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; a joint collaboration between alumni from the Alpha Theta Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and alumni from Delta Iota Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the 1st Annual Best of Both Worlds Walk-a-Thon; and, a donation from the Homecoming 2013 alumni social group comprised of alumni from 1980s to 2000s.
Collaborated with university officials to recruit and retain students
Established high school and community college onsite recruiters program
Ensured Standing Program Committee consisted of cross-generational alumni members in order to foster communication and camaraderie
Established open lines of communication with University faculty/staff, student leaders and stakeholders
Dedicated social media focus including new Facebook and Instagram accounts to increase online presence
Increased communication via technological methods, including email blasts
Established monthly recurring Grambling National Pride Weekend to bring national awareness to Grambling State University and encourage alumni to promote the university on their social media sites and wear GSU paraphernalia
Partnered with university to assist in soliciting support in university competitions (Home Depot’s Retool your School, All-State Challenge, Ebony Campus Queens Contest, and more)
Collaborated with legislators to bring awareness to university challenges and solicit support
Appointed students to the GUNAA program committee and incorporated students into GUNAA events

GALLERY

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Melissa Out w/Grambling Alumni	GUNAA Atlanta Chapter
GUNAA Atlanta Fundraiser	Melissa w/Grambling Mayor Ed Jones
Melissa w/GSU Track Team 2014	Melissa w/sister Shunda
Melissa and Family	At Torch Night 2013
Melissa w/LA Chapter Members	"Best of Both Worlds" Presentation
Melissa w/Ray D. Molo Chapter	Melissa w/LA Chapter Members
Represent for the World Famed	Indianapolis 2013
A New Beginning	SGA Pres. & Miss Grambling 2013-14
Melissa w/GSU Baseball Players	GSU & AKA