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Graduate Student Association

The GSA (Graduate Student Association) is the student governing body for all graduate students. All GSA officers are current graduate students.

The purpose of the GSA shall be to:

  1. Advocate for the interests and needs of WSSU Graduate Students.
  2. Provide a platform for networking and professional development.
  3. Facilitate communication between graduate students and between graduate students and the university administration.
  4. Organize academic, cultural, and social events for the graduate community.

Officer Profiles

Makeiah TrotterMakeiah Trotter

GSA President

Makeiah Trotter is a first-year Master of Health Administration (MHA) student here at Winston-Salem State University. Currently, she serves as an Administrative Support Associate for Career Development Services, where she supports students' career success. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she has also contributed as a graduate student representative on the Tuition & Fees Committee. With aspirations of becoming a Health Informatics Director, she is dedicated to educating African Americans about health, medicine, and the importance of treatment. As a leader in GSA, she hopes to bring a commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowering her peers, and supporting the growth of the graduate student community.

Jahdine Woods

GSA Vice President

Jahdine Woods is a dedicated mother of two Children, accomplished author, and self-publisher based in Greensboro, NC. Originally from Staten Island, New York, she is passionate about her community and her faith. Jahdine is a co-founder of HANDS of GOD MINISTRIES, a nonprofit organization that evangelizes the gospel and provides food and clothing to the less fortunate. What began as a simple initiative to make lunches for women and men in shelters has now grown to serving over 300 people a month, with support from local church partnerships. In addition to her ministry work, Jahdine is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA). She will be graduating in May of 2025. She is also a 3rd-grade teacher with Greensboro City Schools (GCS) and currently serves as Vice President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA). With a heart for both service and education, Jahdine’s career aspirations are to continue making a difference in her community while furthering her academic and professional goals. As Vice President of GSA, she hopes to elevate the graduate student experience by advocating for their needs and fostering a sense of community.

Kianna Marshall

GSA Secretary

Kianna Marshall is a first-year, second-semester graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program, focusing on Clinical Mental Health. She is excited to become a fully licensed clinical mental health counselor with a focus on working with aging populations.

In addition to being a full-time graduate student, she currently works at our university as the newest Grants Administrator for the School of Health Sciences. She has had the privilege of being part of the WSSU RAMily for almost four years now, and it has truly been a rewarding experience.
She serves as the President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) student group, where they strive to raise awareness and provide support to students who may be dealing with mental health challenges.

As a GSA leader she is eager to collaborate and create a more inclusive and supportive environment, to ensure that Graduate student voices are heard. Her hope is that together, they can continue to build a strong and connected community that will not only help grow the program academically but also assist students thrive personally and professionally.

Thank you for your support, and I’m honored to be a part of this journey with all of you.

Xavier Parks

GSA Treasurer

Xavier Parks, originally from Macon, GA, is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration. He holds a degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus and currently works as an Eligibility Specialist with UNC Health. Passionate about healthcare equity, Xavier aspires to a leadership position where he can advocate for and increase access for people of color. He recently achieved a significant milestone by being named a board member with The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) of Winston-Salem. As a leader within the Graduate Student Association (GSA), Xavier hopes to be a strong voice for his fellow graduate students and develop initiatives that foster a stronger connection between graduate students and the Winston-Salem State University community.

Erin-Ciara Benson

GSA Communications Coordinator

Erin-Ciara Benson is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Healthcare Administration program. She currently serves as a Clinic Administrator at Kind Behavioral Health and has recently become a Graduate Research Assistant at WSSU. She also serves as a Member of the Women in Pre-Med National Committee. Her long-term career aspirations include opening and directing her own Occupational Therapy Practice catering to youth in underfunded areas and marginalized communities. As a GSA leader serving as the Communications Coordinator, she aims to strengthen communication between students, faculty, and administration by facilitating clear, accessible, and timely information dissemination. She aims to enhance engagement through the effective use of digital platforms and social media while fostering a sense of community among graduate students. Additionally, she seeks to amplify student voices and advocate for their needs, ensuring that all members feel informed, supported, and empowered.

Deirdre Mack

GSA Event Coordinator

Deirdre C. Mack is a first-year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration, currently working as a Patient Care Coordinator for Benchmark Physical Therapy. Born and raised in the city of Winston-Salem, NC, she is a proud alumna of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. As she continues her education, she aspires to pursue pathways to leadership roles within healthcare, with efforts to bridging health disparity gaps while also conducting research for underserved and disadvantaged populations. While serving as the Event Coordinator for the Graduate Student Association, Ms. Mack hopes to bring in creativity in curating events to get graduate students more involved, fostering the excitement of learning, engagement, and networking with one another, here at Winton-Salem State University.