Rose Ramey

Rose Marie Small Ramey is the fourth of six children born to Rev. Sid and Maggie Small of Winona, Mississippi. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tougaloo College with a major in Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in Education in 1979. After attending Tougaloo College, Rose was awarded a scholarship in Criminal Justice to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her professional career took off during graduate studies as she was exposed to the world of law and social services. Her interest in the field of abused and displaced children landed her an opportunity to be a social worker in Black Adoptions at Children’s Home and Aid Society of Chicago. While working in this capacity, Rose successfully maintained the highest rate of adoptions at the agency.

Rose is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, The National Association for the Development of Young Children (NAEYC), Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum (ILASCD), Delta Kappa Gamma Women Educators, Black Child Development Institute-Chicago Affiliate (BCDI), and a life member of Tougaloo College Alumni Association. She received the UNCF Outstanding Alumnus Award, New Faith Baptist Church Girl Scout Leadership Award and The Chicago Tougaloo College Alumni Service Award. She currently serves as the Midwest Regional Representative for Tougaloo College National Alumni Association, Chicago Inter Alumni Council (CIAC) Representative, the Recording Secretary for the CIAC and the 2024 NAC/PAC UNCF delegate. Additionally, Rose serves as the current chairperson for the 2024 Honors Brunch for the Chicago Tougaloo Alumni Association.

Rose has been married to her best friend and supporter, Bivian Lee Ramey Sr., for 40 years. They are grateful parents of two children, Tougaloo graduates, Bivian Jr, ’11 and Roslynn Renee ’15. They also followed in the footsteps of their Aunt Joyce Small Delk ’72, Uncles, Dr. Alvin Delk Jr ’70, and Dr. Larry Small ’81. Her Life Message is “God will never leave you nor will He forsake you. Have faith in Him and He will bring you through any trial or tribulation. It may not be when you want it, but He is always on time.”