On Sept. 10, UDC welcomed two new members to its Board of Trustees with a swearing-in ceremony attended by civic leaders, faculty, staff and students. Bernard Grayson (AAS ’03 AAS ’04 BBS ’05 BBS ’12) and Tracey Jackson, PhD (JD ’18), join a third new addition to the Board, Josh Lopez (BA ’09 MA ’17), who had been sworn in earlier in July.
Grayson, a longtime civil servant, Jackson, a public policy expert and executive coach, and Lopez, the CEO of a business development firm, have all already made their mark on DC as dedicated community leaders. Together, they bring new perspectives and new energy to the university’s strategic plan, and they take the obligations that come with their appointment to the Board seriously.
“Being sworn in as a Trustee of the University of the District of Columbia is both a profound honor and a great responsibility,” Grayson said. “This moment represents not only a continuation of our rich legacy but also a commitment to shaping the future of our university community. It is a reminder that our collective work must always focus on creating pathways of opportunity, excellence, and equity for our students, alumni and the broader District of Columbia.”
The presence of DC Councilmember Robert White and Maryland state Senator Nick Charles (BA ’09) at the ceremony highlighted the university’s longstanding connections with civic leadership. The evening also offered a moment to reflect on service already provided when Trustee Anntoinette White-Richardson (MA ’95) was honored for her service on the board.
The university’s strategic plan — anchored in student success, sustainability and community impact — remains a guiding force for UDC. The Board’s leadership is vital in transforming those priorities into lasting progress. As the university prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary, trustees will help shape bold initiatives that honor its legacy while advancing its future.