Destyni Quinn, affectionately known as “Redd,” is a proud native of McComb, Mississippi. Her academic journey began at Alcorn State University (ASU), where she enrolled in 2017. Over her four-year tenure, she made a significant impact on campus, both academically and through student involvement.
While at Alcorn, Quinn was deeply engaged in student life. She participated in numerous organizations, including the Mass Communications Club, The Campus Chronicle Newspaper (as both a writer and later Editor-in-Chief from 2019 to 2021), Impact Community Service Organization, Junior Class Cabinet, Campus Activities Board, Girl’s Coalition (serving as President from 2019 to 2020), and the Event Coordinating Committee for the Foundations Department. She also held roles as a Dean’s Scholar Honor Student, Royal Court Event Emcee, Public Outreach spokesperson, and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success.
In the Fall of 2020, Quinn became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated through the Gamma Phi Chapter. She went on to serve as Hodegos and Sisterly Relations Chair during the 2020–2021 academic year. Additionally, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Alpha Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, where she served on the executive board from 2020 to 2021. That same year, she also served as President of the Mass Communications Club.
Quinn graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, ranking in the top five of her department.
Following her undergraduate studies, she shifted her career focus toward healthcare. She is currently a full-time Nursing student at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where she is expected to graduate in December 2026. She is an active member of the Student Nurse Organization on campus and aspires to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse.
HOW HAS ALCORN HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Alcorn has turned me into a fearless beast. There is no challenge, no job, no test, no person that I feel intimidated by. I put my best foot forward in everything I do, because while in my undergrad year Alcorn tested me in ways that I didn’t know it would. It taught me to be bold and showed me the benefits that a quality education can bring.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU A PART OF WHILE AT ALCORN?
I was a part of the Mass Communications Club, The Campus Chronicle (Online newspaper), Impact Community Service Organization, Junior Class Cabinet, Campus Activities Board, Girl’s Coalition, Public Outreach Spokesperson, Dean’s Scholar Honor Student, Royal Court Event Emcee, Event Coordinating Committee for the Foundations Department, Fall 2020 Initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The National Society of Leadership and Success.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT ALCORN?
One of the main things I enjoyed about Alcorn was the culture and if you’ve walked the campus for at least 10 minutes, you know exactly what I mean. If you’re not dressed to impress, you are doing it wrong. I love that everyone just understands the fashion aspect of an HBCU. I also love in particular when it comes to our HBCU, they don’t miss. We are known in the HBCU culture for being the best dressed in the South.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR FUTURE STUDENTS ON ‘THE YARD’?
My advice for students on ‘The Yard’ is to live within the moment, make it count but have something to show for it. Get involved, be active, have fun but prioritize your education and career. Four years will fly by but make sure on your resume you have internships, accolades, some sort of credentials to your name. Make sure you are building meaningful connections because that network of people will open doors for you.
