Dispatching dedication

Between attending classes, studying, participating in student organizations and socializing, being a college student can be busy. For Lexi Ricker, a senior majoring in psychology and organizational leadership at Wright State University, it can be absolutely exhausting.

“No grass grows under Lexi’s feet that’s for sure,” said Debbie Lamp, associate director of student activities.

Ricker, who also minors in forensic studies, maintains a high GPA while participating in six campus organizations: University Activities Board (UAB) president, Panhellenic Council vice president and vice president of recruitment, Student Involvement and Leadership Center involvement mentor, Alpha Omicron PI sorority member, ’67 Society president and Psychology Club secretary.

Ricker was also named the 2024 Homecoming queen.

“Not in a million years did I think I would actually win,” she said.

Ricker has helped organize some of the university’s biggest student events as UAB president, including last year’s April Craze and Fall Fest. She also organized Winter Fest in February and is working on the details for April Craze on April 19, 2024.

“She’s in the top 10% of the students I’ve been involved with on campus,” said Lamp. “She is definitely the definition of Raider up.”

With a full class schedule and her campus commitments, Ricker has also found the time and energy to work part-time as an overnight 911 dispatcher at the Englewood Police Department for the past two years.

“It just makes life so much more rewarding,” said Ricker.

Englewood police Sgt. Mike Lang said Ricker has an important job as a 911 dispatcher, answering police and fire calls for several neighboring communities and always stays enthusiastic and focused.

“It’s funny when someone gets in the door and gets the public service bug. It’s hard to shake it,” Lang said.

Ricker is expected to graduate from Wright State in December and hopes to join the police academy in January to train to become a police officer. Her dream job is to work for the FBI, and she believes her degrees in psychology and organizational leadership will help her reach her goal.