Annual award announced during holiday party

The United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County has named Chris Dicus as the recipient of its 2023 Board Member of the Year Award. 

Dicus, educational outreach specialist for the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Mississippi, has been a member of the UWOLC Board of Directors since January 2019. 

He is on the organization’s campaign and basic needs advisory committees in addition to serving in a multitude of other ways.

UWOLC Executive Director Kurt Brummett announced the award during the CMSE’s holiday party. In doing so, Brummett noted Dicus’ many contributions to the UWOLC and Lafayette-Oxford-University community as well as the tremendous leadership and service he provides.

“Chris is an outstanding person who selflessly gives of himself without ever seeking any type of gratitude or recognition in return,” Brummett said. “He is an esteemed member of our local United Way team and I cannot thank him enough for all he does for our organization and community as we are blessed to have him as a leader.”

The UWOLC Board of Directors created the board member of the year award in 2019 to annually recognize the exemplary service of a selected board member. Board members submit nominations for the award at the end of each year and the organization’s executive committee reviews the submissions before selecting the annual recipient.

“Chris has been an integral part of the success of United Way for the LOU community as he is great at listening to what the board needs and offering to help where needed,” board member and vice president for campaigns Danielle King said in nominating Dicus. “We are super thankful for his presence on the board and the continued impact he will make in the future.”

“It’s a huge surprise and honor to receive the board member of the year award,” Dicus said. “I am blessed to serve with such great board members who do so many great things to support our community.” 

“The real superstar of our organization is Executive Director Kurt Brummett because his endless dedication is the glue that keeps us together and allows us to serve so many in our community,” Dicus said. “There are numerous ways to support our efforts and help us reach more people in need.”


In addition to his roles with the UWOLC and CMSE, Dicus has a passion for making people feel included in all activities and enjoys attending Ole Miss sporting events, playing golf and cooking for his friends. Dicus and his wife, Charlotte, live in Oxford and have a dog named Roxy.

As the UWOLC’s evergreen campaign efforts continue, Dicus encourages those who have not previously supported the organization to do so to enable it to assist even more LOU residents.

“Please reach out to any of our board members as well as Kurt and ask how you can help,” Dicus said. “Again, thank you to those who chose me to receive this award and I can’t wait to build an even stronger future for the UWOLC.”