NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Last night, amid a festive atmosphere of pomp, circumstance, and pageantry, Tennessee State University continued a Homecoming tradition with the coronation of the new Mister and Miss TSU and their Royal Court. The event took place in Kean Hall on the main campus, where hundreds of parents, friends, fellow students, and university officials gathered to witness the occasion.
TSU President Ronald A. Johnson, and his wife, Mrs. Irene Oakley Johnson, congratulate the newly crowned Mister. and Miss TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Chandler Carrington Cotton and Chandler Tiana Holt were crowned as Mister TSU and Miss TSU, respectively. Cotton, a senior biology major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, becomes the 34th Mister TSU, while Holt, a senior health science major from Birmingham, Alabama, is now the 94th Miss TSU in the university’s history.
TSU President Ronald A. Johnson officiated the ceremony, administering the university oath to the newly crowned king and queen. He congratulated Cotton and Holt, emphasizing the importance and legacy of their new roles. “Taking on the responsibility of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU is steeped in tradition,” President Johnson said, highlighting the significance of their titles.
Six former Miss TSUs congratulate Chandler Tiana Cotton on her coronation as the new Miss TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Following President Johnson, his wife, Irene Oakley, delivered the charge to the university’s royalty, encouraging them to embrace their roles with dignity and purpose.
Cotton expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey. “I credit my family, friends, and the caring culture at TSU, along with my deep faith in God, for my success,” he said, adding that his career goal is in medical sales.
The TSU Sophisticated Ladies perform at the coronation of the New Mister and Miss TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Holt, the daughter of two TSU alumni, shared her aspirations for the future: “My ultimate hope is to be able to impact at least one person in each room I step into.” She also acknowledged the vital role her family, friends, and university community played in her achievements. Holt aims to pursue a master’s degree in health sciences after graduation.
Former Mister TSU Naton Smith, Jr., and Former Miss TSU Mariah Rhodes serve as master and mistress of ceremonies at the coronation. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The new Mister and Miss TSU Royal Court includes:
– Mister and Miss Senior: Garrison Holland and Alaska Humphrey
– Mister and Miss Junior: Brandon Diggs and Kennedy Chambers
– Mister and Miss Sophomore: Tylor Miller and Tiona Roberts
– Mister and Miss Freshman: Tayten Waters and Jaylen Brunson
The coronation was a highlight of TSU’s Homecoming week (Oct. 6-11), celebrating the university’s spirit and fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Chandler Cotton, a senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has always viewed the title of Mister Tennessee State University as more than just a crown. Cotton, who is studying biology, decided to run for the esteemed role not for recognition or accolades, but because of a deeper sense of calling. “It’s always been a unique role that I saw a different type of essence in,” Cotton said.
“It’s easy to get swept up in titles and the material things that come with them. But what about those who feel the calling deep within, long before the role is theirs? My journey is about answering God’s call to uplift, inspire, and lead His Kingdom with purpose.”
Cotton’s campaign was built on the foundation of ‘Kingdom,’ inspired by Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music’s song of the same name. His platform is centered around fostering an authentic connection across campus, aiming to create a community built on love, purpose, and unity. “I wanted to build something greater than any one title,” Cotton said.
The coronation of Mister TSU and Miss TSU, along with the Royal Court is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, in Kean Hall.
“From the very beginning, my mission has been to establish our own true Kingdom.’ A harmonious space where every Tiger feels valued, where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, and where empathy is at the heart of every interaction.” As Mister TSU, Cotton has dedicated himself to uplifting others and leaving a legacy of service, authenticity, and brotherhood at the Land of Golden Sunshine.
“Mister TSU is the title, but I embody what it truly stands for,” he said. “You reap what you sow, and I pray I get to see the fruits of my labor while I’m still living.” Cotton believes that being a king goes beyond recognition, requiring grit, humility, and faith,” he said.
“I strive to live by these values daily because you never know who you might touch.” After graduating, Cotton plans to pursue a career in medical sales, bringing the same leadership and purpose that have guided him at TSU to his professional journey.
Beyond his role as the 34th Mister TSU, Cotton’s campus involvement consists of: Vice President of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc., and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), among others. He was also named the 2024 Jordan Smith Undergraduate Award Recipient and 2024 Build Institute›s Man of the Year.
The coronation of Mister TSU and Miss TSU, along with the Royal Court, will be a highlight of TSU’s Homecoming week, scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, in Kean Hall.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Faith, advocacy, and a vision for unity. These are the three pillars that guided Chandler Holt’s journey to becoming the 95th Miss Tennessee State University. Holt is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama, pursuing a degree in health sciences. Her decision to run for the esteemed title stemmed from a sense of purpose, personal growth, and a desire to create lasting change on campus.
“It was primarily through the strength and faith I found in the Lord and the support of my friends that I moved forward,” Holt said. “I prayed for guidance in fulfilling my role, and God provided me with a clear sign. My self-confidence developed later as I recognized that all my experiences at TSU had been preparing me for this moment.”
The coronation of Mister TSU and Miss TSU, along with the Royal Court is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, in Kean Hall.
During her SEC Week campaign, inspired by Beyoncé’s On the Run theme, Holt said she envisioned transparency, advocacy, and diversity for the TSU student body while preserving the cultural traditions of TSU. Ensuring that the campus remains a hub of unity and growth for current and future students.
Holt’s tenure as Miss TSU comes at a critical time, she said, with the university undergoing a significant transition, including a new interim president, Dr. Ronald Johnson, and leadership appointments.
“I strive to maintain open communication with students and champion their voices in every space I occupy, particularly where their perspectives may not always be represented,” Holt said.
Holt emphasized that this unity extends to all her fellow students, especially in the Class of 2025. “I deeply value the familial bond we share as a class, and I aspire to extend that sense of community to the entire student body. I believe that fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere is the crucial first step toward achieving unity,” she stated. As Miss TSU, Holt has been dedicated to continuing to amplify and enhance an environment where all students feel valued and heard.
She stated that her focus is on empowering students to advocate for themselves and others, building trust between students and the administration through open dialogue and transparency.
“Being a queen … it embodies the strength to confront the challenges the university presents and the courage to advocate for meaningful change,” Holt said. “A true queen is a beacon of support, consistently lifting others while nurturing her own resilience.”
Beyond her role as Miss TSU, Holt’s future goals are set in the healthcare industry. With aspirations to attend Meharry Medical College, she plans to pursue a master’s in health science and enter the dental program. Holt’s accomplishments extend across campus organizations, including Honors College, TSU Legacies, Women of Empowerment, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
The coronation of Mister TSU and Miss TSU, along with the Royal Court, will be a highlight of TSU’s Homecoming week, scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, in Kean Hall.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – After a virtual event last year due to the pandemic, the Mister and Miss TSU coronation returned live Wednesday with the crowning of the new Tennessee State University king and queen. Mark Timothy Davis, Jr., and Mallory Rian Moore were invested during an elaborate ceremony in Kean Hall, as part of the 2021 Homecoming festivities.
President Glenda Glover congratulates the new Mr. TSU Mr. Mark Davis, and Miss TSU Mallory More. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)
Hundreds of people — including parents, relatives, friends, and fellow students — packed a jubilant Kean Hall to witness the coronation of the two students and their court.
TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the new king and queen after giving them the oath of office. Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, followed the president. He charged the two students to take their roles seriously.
“It is my pleasure to charge the new king and queen and this royal court with the expectations of this office,” Stevenson said. “You must lead with integrity and help enhance student experiences in the Land of Golden Sunshine. You are charged as the first historic pandemic transition from quarantine to excellence as king and queen. You must always act with love and respect for each other.”
Miss TSU 2021-22 Mallory Moore is a senior health sciences major from Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)
Davis, a senior mass communications major from Cincinnati, plans to help male students develop into men with good character traits that others can emulate. With a five-point plan focused on sexual assault awareness, mental health, campus engagement, creating a definition of what a man is, and embracing your difference, Davis’ goal is to change the stereotypical view people have of “our young males” because of the way many carry themselves.
“We must try to change the way the world looks at our students, especially the black males, and TSU is doing a very good job in that area,” says Davis.
The new Mister TSU Mark T. Davis, Jr. is a senior majoring in mass communications. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)
After graduation, Davis plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. His career goals are to become a director of student activities at TSU, and ultimately manage artists, and be the CEO of his own record label.
Moore, who becomes the 92nd Miss TSU, is from Birmingham, Alabama. She is a senior health sciences major. She wants to use her position to implement a program built around mentorship and providing opportunities for fellow students.
Escorting Little Miss TSU Aset Dolorne Seaton-Terry is Little Mister TSU Connor Alexander Bean. Aset is the daughter of Antonio and Aleshia Seaton-Terry. Connor is the son of Dr. Andre Bean and Dr. Keisha Bean. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)
“I want to do a mentorship initiative because I know for me coming in as a freshman, I didn’t have that and it made things a lot difficult for me,” says Moore. “I don’t want other students to face those difficulties. So, I want to create this program for the freshmen, and I am including the sophomores because the sophomore class didn’t get one because they were home due to the pandemic.”
In addition to being Miss TSU, Moore is active in many campus organizations and programs. For two years, she served on the university’s cheerleading team. She is a member of the TSU choir, and the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. She was initiated into Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and Order of Omega National Honor Society for Greek Leaders. Moore’s career goal is to become an occupational therapist.
Members of the new Royal Court:
Mister Senior – Shaun Anderson Miss Senior – Destiny Pennington
Mister Junior – Tre’veon Hayes Miss Junior – Sa’Mariah Harding
Mister Sophomore – Alex Brooks Miss Sophomore – Anasia Strickland
Mister Freshman – Gary Richardson Miss Freshman – Brookly Gordon
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University continued a Homecoming tradition with the crowning of a new Mister and Miss TSU and the royal Court. For the first time ever, the coronation was held virtually due to COVID-19 with all the usual glitz and glamour that the ceremony is noted for displaying.
President Glenda Glover
Hundreds of people — including parents, relatives, friends, fellow students and alumni — tuned in Friday night to witness the coronation of Naton Smith, Jr., and Mariah Rhodes, and their court.
TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the new king and queen after giving them the oath of office. Dr. William Hytche, assistant vice president of student affairs, followed the president. He charged the two students to take their roles seriously.
“Taking on the responsibility of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU is steep in tradition, as many are looking up to you,” Hytche said. “This coronation with all of its tradition, is a time to celebrate our university and its heritage. Continue to shape our future here at TSU for those who come after you.”
Moments before their coronation, the new Mister and Miss TSU entertained guests to a Hollywood-style stage production of “Cinderella.” Mariah Rhodes played Cinderella and Naton Smith, Jr., played the prince. (Submitted Photo)
Smith, a senior health sciences major from St. Louis, said as a student leader, his goal as Mister TSU is to continue building community and giving a voice to the voiceless.
“I want TSU to continue being excellent and continue to break barriers,” Smith said. “During these tough times in our country and communities, it’s important for us to continue to stand together and be on one accord.”
With a 3.2 grade point average, Smith is a member of the Honors College, and the Men’s Initiative, which focuses on character development, social engagement and mentorship for male students. He wants to become a doctor of physical therapy to work in the NBA. Eventually, Smith wants to open his own PT clinics in his community to cater to people who cannot afford health insurance.
Outgoing Mister TSU Damyr Moore and Miss TSU Jada Crisp crown the new queen. (Submitted Photo)
Rhodes, who becomes the 90th Miss TSU, is from Memphis, Tennessee. She is a senior political science major with a 4.0 GPA. She said although the university is cutting down on activities because of the pandemic, she plans to implement a number of events virtually to keep the students engaged.
“This year is going to look different, but we are going to make sure students are part of everything,” said Rhodes. “We will be more transparent with students, making sure they are included in all decisions we make.”
Rhodes wants to become a lawyer and eventually enter politics as an elected official focusing on education and criminal justice reform. She is the Student Court Chief Justice, an HBCU White House Competitiveness Scholar, and an honors intern with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Dr. Tobias Morgan, assistant dean of student engagement and leadership, admonished the new king and queen to continue to uplift the spirit of the university.
“Naton and Maria, Mister and Miss TSU, continue to shine,” he said “I am proud of you. Continue to uplift the campus community while making a distinct change because united, we all will rise.”
Also speaking were Tiara Thomas, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees; and Dominique Davis, president of the SGA.
Members of the new Royal Court are:
Mister Senior – Michael Caldwell, Mechanical Engineering – Atlanta
Miss Senior – Morgan Jackson, Health Sciences – Montgomery, Alabama
Mister Junior – Mario Eberhart, Health Management/Business – Atlanta
Miss Junior – Mallory Moore, Health Science – Birmingham – Alabama
Mister Sophomore – Widmark J. Cadet, Jr., Business Administration/Marketing – Chester, Virginia
Miss Sophomore – Kellyn Paige, Nursing – Jackson, Mississippi
Mister Freshman – Jordin Russell, Business Information Systems/Secondary Education – Huntsville, Alabama
Moments before the coronation, the evening was kicked off with a Hollywood-style stage production of “Cinderella.” Backed by a beautiful cast including members of the royal court, Rhodes played Cinderella and Smith played the prince. Alicia Jones, former Miss TSU, played Cinderella’s fairy godmother.
In place of the traditional Homecoming, TSU this year held a weekend of activities Oct. 23-25 under the theme, “Essentially TSU – We’re In This Together!” Other events during the weekend included a virtual scholarship gala, a homecoming tradition, and a Gospel Brunch hosted by TSU alum Dr. Bobby Jones, known in many circles as the Ambassador of Gospel Entertainment.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University continued a Homecoming tradition with the crowning of a new Mr. and Miss TSU.
Hundreds of people — including parents, relatives, friends and fellow students — packed a jubilant Kean Hall on Oct. 17 to witness the coronation of Darian McGhee and Kayla Sampson, and their court.
TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the new king and queen after giving them the oath of office. Dr. Tracey Ford, vice president for Student Affairs, followed the president. She charged the two students to take their roles seriously.
TSU President Glenda Glover congratulates Darian McGhee and Kayla Sampson after being crowned as the new Mr. and Miss Tennessee State University. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
“Taking on the responsibility of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU is steeped in tradition, as many are looking up to you,” Ford said. “Be reminded that this is serious.”
McGhee, a senior electrical engineering major from Memphis, Tennessee, is the outgoing Mr. Junior. He said in an interview before the coronation that his goal is to help more male students succeed in college. Compared to females, McGhee said, male students are disproportionately not successful in college because many lack the zeal and desire to persevere “when things get tough.”
“When I go to bed each night and wake up the next morning, I want to feel I am a better person than I was the day before; that comes from my drive to be better,” said McGhee, of Memphis Tennessee. “You have to have a drive and that’s what I want to pass on to my fellow students.”
Sampson, who becomes the 89th Miss TSU, is from Jackson, Mississippi. She is a senior agriculture science major with a concentration in biotechnology. Her goal is to use her “unique position” to implement a platform built around community service, especially reaching out to young kids, and helping incoming freshmen get adjusted to college life.
“The TSU motto of Think, Work, Serve is built around service and I want to make sure we carry out that mission in our community by participating in activities in elementary schools,” Sampson said. “My goal is to inspire more little kids through mentoring or helping in their schools. They respond more to young people. If they see us looking well and setting good examples, they will want to be like us”
The new Mr. and Miss TSU Court include: Christian Shack, Mr. Freshman; Tyahna Arnold, Miss Freshman; Donovan Stewart, Mr. Sophomore; Joycelyn Barney, Miss Sophomore; Damyr Moore, Mr. Junior; Deirdre Johnson, Miss Junior; Devinn Pauley, Mr. Senior; Arnella Williams-Foster, Miss Senior; Nadia Butterfield, Miss 1912; and Wimberly Robinson, Miss Blue & White.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 8,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University continued a Homecoming tradition Wednesday night with the crowning of a new Mr. and Miss TSU.
Hundreds of people — including parents, relatives, friends and fellow students — packed a jubilant Kean Hall to witness the coronation of Alec Forrest and Kayla Smith, and their court.
TSU President Glenda Glover, left, and Dr. Tracey Ford, Vice President for Student Affairs, congratulate Kayla Smith and Alec Forrest, the new Mr. & Miss TSU. (Photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the new king and queen after giving them the oath of office. Dr. Tracey Ford, vice president for Student Affairs, followed the president. She charged the two students to take their roles seriously.
“Taking on the responsibility of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU is steep in tradition, as many are looking up to you,” Ford said. “Be reminded that this is serious.”
Forrest, a senior business major from Jackson, Tennessee, is the outgoing Mr. Junior. He said in an interview before the coronation that his goal is to help develop young men with character and vision by leading by example.
“You can’t expect people to do one thing and they see you doing quite the opposite,” Forrest said. “I like to impact people. When I leave this institution, I want to come back and see someone in a leadership position because of an influence I had on them.”
Smith, who becomes the 88th Miss TSU, is from Memphis. She is a senior health science major with a concentration in therapeutic studies and a minor in psychology. She said becoming Miss TSU or “black excellence,” as she puts it, has always been a goal. The journey, she said, began when she “broke the norm” at predominantly white Germantown High School and became the first female African-American senior class president. Her leadership ability and academic success granted her a full-ride scholarship to TSU.
“College for me would be nowhere else but Tennessee State University,” Smith said. “TSU stole my heart with its southern charm and hospitality. I have always been in awe of the rich history and modern culture. I just cannot get enough of it.”
The new Mr. and Miss TSU Court include: Landon McCall, Mr. Freshman; Braxton Simpson, Miss Freshman; Jonathan Miles Hammock, Mr. Sophomore; Sierra Holmes, Miss Sophomore; Darian McGhee, Mr. Junior; Brandi DeCoats, Miss Junior; Andrew Crawford, Mr. Senior; Danielle Perry, Miss Senior.
Outgoing Miss TSU Alicia Jones, crowns the new Miss TSU Kayla Smith. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
In addition to the Mr. and Miss TSU coronation, this year’s Homecoming, which will culminate Saturday with a parade and the big football matchup between the Tigers and Austin Peay, includes a “stellar group” of honorees, grand marshals and star power.
In keeping with the theme, “The Road to Greatness Begins with Excellence,” the university has selected honorees and grand marshals that exude the excellence TSU strives for. They include Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, who will receive Special Presidential Recognition. Dr. Humphries, TSU’s fourth president, served from 1974-1985.
Other honorees are: Dr. Sterlin Adams, retired, professor and special assistant to Dr. Humphries; Dr. Evelyn P. Fancher, retired, director of libraries; Dr. Raymond Richardson, retired, professor and chair of physics, mathematics and computer science; and William “Bill” Thomas, former head football coach and athletic director.
The grand marshals for the popular Homecoming parade (from 14th and Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Blvd.) are: Georgette “Gigi” Peek Dixon, senior vice president and director of national partnerships, government and community relations, Wells Fargo; Alfred Gordon, vice president of operations for Frito-Lay North America; State Senator Thelma Harper, 19th District, Tennessee General Assembly; and Roosevelt “Bud” Reese, CEO, CMI Foundation.
Besides the game and parade, another major highlight of TSU’s homecoming is the Annual Scholarship Gala, which will take place on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Music City Center. This year, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry will serve as honorary chairperson. Nationally syndicated radio show host, actor and comedian, Rickey Smiley, will be the gala’s master of ceremony. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships are used to provide financial assistance to students. The goal is to raise one million.
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 8,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 25 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
