Rochelle T. Dickey ’83, P’19, dean of students and vice president for student life, will retire in Spring 2023, following the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year.
“It’s hard to put into words the immense gratitude I feel for the tremendous opportunities I’ve been given during my journey here at Colorado College,” said Dickey. “I could not have asked for a more welcoming and nurturing environment or better colleagues, and building impactful and lasting relationships with our students has truly been the ultimate joy.”
Dickey has served the Colorado College community since 1990. Dickey previously worked at Colorado College as the senior associate dean of students, associate dean, director of minority student life, and director of minority and international students.
Dickey earned several awards for her dedication to students. Dickey received the Victor Nelson-Cisneros Award as a result of her commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Victor Nelson-Cisneros Award is given to faculty and staff who exemplify former associate dean Victor Nelson-Cisneros’ qualities in supporting diversity and inclusion on campus.
Dickey was awarded the Urban League Service Award for her commitment to the welfare of minority students on campus. Additionally, Dickey received the CC Student Mentor Award for five years and Advising Awards from the Colorado College Student Government Association, as well as the Blue Key and Mortar Board National Honor Societies.
Dickey received the Community Education Award and the Freedom Fund Award from the NAACP, as well as recognition for enduring support of civil rights and social justice.
The Butler Center created the Rochelle T. Dickey award for an Outstanding Event Contributing to the Empowerment of Communities of Color in honor of Dickey.
Dickey received the Gresham Riley Award in 2017, which recognizes faculty and staff who have made a significant difference to the CC community through outstanding service, commitment, and accomplishment.
“I am grateful for Rochelle’s leadership, wisdom, and support during my time at CC. She has shared her understanding of students and their well-being, a wealth of institutional knowledge, and much insight into our community and our shared values,” said President L. Song Richardson.
“I have to borrow from Serena Williams here; I look at this retirement as more of an evolution to a new phase of life. In the meantime, I’m wholly committed to the work of the college during the remainder of my time here. It’s been an honor to serve,” said Dickey.
In addition to her work supporting the CC community, Dickey was deeply involved in outreach and partnership efforts to connect the college to the broader Colorado Springs community, including through the community-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, and serving on the African American Youth Leadership Conference Board of Directors.
Dickey, who grew up in Colorado Springs, was a first-generation student who majored in drama at Colorado College and graduated in 1983. She went on to earn a master’s in educational counseling and human services from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Dickey is a parent of a Class of 2019 alum.