Turkey Day Exec.& More!

DaVeda Massey Joins Strategic Communications/Marketing Department with Focus on ‘CommUniversity’

- ASU's ‘Strategic Communications and Marketing Initiatives Coordinator’ takes on first major task, The Turkey Day Classic Parade. 

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU 

With less than two weeks on the job, one would think that the Strategic Communications and Marketing Department’s newest employee, DaVeda Massey, had been part of the staff for much longer due to her in-depth knowledge of campus events, the Hornet Nation Family and University traditions. "I am pretty well versed in all things ‘ASU’ because I have spent several years as an event coordinator in Alabama State University's Operations and Events Management office," said Massey. "I guess that my on-the-job knowledge helped me obtain my new position, under our division's executive director, Jessica Madison. All that I am sure of is that I have landed my 'dream job' at one of America's outstanding universities." 

Massey considers herself as having two hometowns: the first being Birmingham, Ala. (where she was born and still has relatives) and the second one located right here in the "Gump" where she graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 2003. She attended college in Huntsville, graduating with a degree in Telecommunications and a minor in English. 

Despite her extensive knowledge of the University, Massey believes she is still navigating the "learning curve" at ASU. 

"When I learned that I was hired, I became very excited because I feel that it is a blessing to work on the marketing and communications side of the University because we are always in the middle of the action and take part in the many nuances that make it all happen...that makes our events uniquely Alabama State," she stated.  

TURKEY DAY CLASSIC PARADE

Massey feels that the first big task on her new job is successfully managing this year's Turkey Day Classic (TDC) Parade to ensure that all of the logistics are in place and that the event runs as "smooth as silk." The TDC celebrates 99 years this November and many historians state that it is the nation's oldest Black college football classic still in existence.  

Massey explained that with the many years of the parade’s tradition comes huge expectations from fans. 

"Although I have been at ASU for a few years already, each day since taking my new position with Ms. Madison, I am learning a lot more, especially about the Turkey Day Classic Parade and all of the little and big details that make it a success," Massey said. "It is such an important tradition at the University and that means it demands excellence in each and every aspect of how it goes. That is why everything about it will be supported with a timing sheet that shows exactly when and where each aspect is to take place."  

Massey shared that the first thing that she noticed about the event was the huge outpouring of interest from both within and outside of the University itself.  

"The fans expect so many marching bands, floats, decorated cars and other entries to excite and create awe, and they will not be disappointed this year," she stated. "Many of us are proud that the parade will also honor our late coworker and former parade coordinator, Kenneth Waters, whose family legacy is deeply ingrained in Black and Old Gold.” 

TEAMWORK AND HORNET PRIDE

Massey believes everything that she and the Department of Strategic Communications and Marketing does should be centered on teamwork and Hornet Pride. 

"As I begin my new career, I am dedicating all I do to including the campus and the community into what President Ross calls 'CommUniversity' and to make sure everyone understands that ASU is where great, worldwide history was made in the past and where our new cohort of students will continue to make it in the future," Massey said. "I will always work hard to make sure all that I do is impactful with hospitality, pride, integrity and diversity. I am excited to be a part of the team that helps to advance the vision and mission of the University."  

News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104. 

###ASU###