UC Riverside’s Jamal Myrick was recognized by the American College Personnel Association, or ACPA, for his outstanding career in student affairs and support through African Student Programs, or ASP. Myrick is one of 22 Diamond Honorees selected for 2026.
“Dr. Myrick’s dedication to his craft in higher education over 10 years has been recognized with over 100 awards and active memberships in professional organizations like the Association of Black Cultural Centers, Western Association of College and University Housing Officers, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, American College Personnel Association, and Southern Association for College Student Affairs,” noted ACPA’s website.
Fellow ACPA members Jasmine A. Lee, of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Steven Johnson, of the University of Illinois, nominated Myrick.
“Serving as a champion for Dr. Jamal J. Myrick’s Diamond Honoree recognition was an easy and deeply meaningful decision,” Johnson said. “Throughout his career, Jamal has consistently created spaces where students and professionals feel seen, valued, challenged, and empowered to thrive. Jamal leads with authenticity, compassion, and purpose. His influence can be felt in the countless lives he has shaped and in the stronger, more inclusive communities he has helped cultivate.”
Myrick accepted the Diamond Honorees award on March 30 at the 2026 ACPA Convention in Baltimore. The annual event welcomed approximately 2,500 members and guests, who attended over 600 educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities over three days.
“Receiving this award is a testament to my village and the level of support that I received from the past and the present,” Myrick said. “To go from never even thinking about going to college to now receiving one of the highest honors in the field is a full circle moment. I appreciate the scholars and colleagues, now friends, who’ve transformed my life. Without higher education, I know that I wouldn't be living the life I live now.”
Myrick started his Highlander career as the East Lothian resident director in 2014 and transitioned to his ASP role in 2019, first as interim director and then as director in 2020. His contributions to UCR’s Black scholars include establishing the 828 Summer Bridge program, which supports incoming Black scholars’ transition to campus, and the No Boundaries Alternative Break program, which provides all-expenses-paid trips to scholars participating in cross-cultural exchange in various locations both domestically and internationally.
ACPA College Student Educators International was established in 1924, with their Diamond Honoree Program established in 1999 to honor committed individuals who support student development in higher education.
Past Highlander Diamond Honorees include Mary Tregoning in 2016 for her work with UCR’s Residential Life team.