the Informer

DeLois Lindsey (left) is pictured in her office with Ebony Wright Campbell ‘04. Lindsey was recently recognized by the America East conference for their series on Black History Month. | Courtesy of UNotes

DeLois Lindsey is one of only nine people that will be featured on the America East conference’s Black History Month video series and Lindsey could not be happier.

“The fact that I’m the first one they featured is mad cool,” Lindsey, Assistant Vice President for Student Development, said. “It’s not only for me, but for the students that I work with. I’m nothing without my kids.”

During the month of February, America East has chosen to feature one African American faculty or administrator from each of the nine schools in the conference.

Lindsey, who is known as “Mama Lo” to those who know her well, has been working at the University since 1984. She began her work at the University in HIllyer College before it was even Hillyer. It used to be the College of Basic Studies.

Lindsey knows the importance of hard work. She oversees a large variety and breadth of programs and services including the Office of Multicultural Programs, the Center for Community Service, student conduct, Campus Ministries, Hillel and 12 multicultural organizations.

“It’s a tremendous recognition for the students,” Lindsey said in a humble manner. “They keep me young.”

In her letter to Warren Lane, an alumnus of the University who now works for the conference, Lindsey lists many of her achievements, both with her students and without them.

Besides for managing the annual Preschool Holiday Party and running the Book Fund, Lindsey has also sewn 16 quilts for children in local elementary schools for Black History Month, one that was a special 9/11 quilt composed on the one year anniversary.

Currently, she is engaged with collecting money to purchase gum, nylons, sunflower seeds, hand warmers, and other items for the soldiers stationed in Afghanistan through a collaboration with a local women’s organization and veterans at an Oasis Center at a nearby community college.

“No one does anything alone in this world,” Lindsey said. “The University has given me the autonomy to reach out and get things done. We couldn’t do what we do without the University resources.”

The America East website states that  “as an individual who has put the community first and made an impact through her work, DeLois Lindsey is an ideal representative for the University of Hartford during Black History Month.”

She is a woman that is not only charismatic, but understands the world around her and enjoys sharing her knowledge with everyone, no matter the age.

“I enjoy planting the seed for higher education early and the importance of giving back to the community,” Lindsey said. “It is easy to accomplish the breadths of service that my students and I have accomplished because we are part of such a supportive environment.”

Lindsey also is a firm believer in the campus slogan, “Committed to Community.”

“We do a really good job of living up to it. All the groups on campus do good things. It goes throughout the whole university,” Lindsey said.