faculty, alumni, donors, elected officials, and community leaders often without any advance notice. I learned the ability to read the room, listen actively, and respond when necessary. A memorable experience was one of our “Chat and Chews” reception. A Chat and Chews is a reception held prior to a football game and hosted by the home school’s Queen and Royal Court for the opposing school’s Royal Court and SGA. I personally looked forward to this because it gave me first-hand experience in event planning, which I continue doing today. As the Queen, I was responsible for selecting menus, sending invitations, wardrobe and preparing for our guests' arrival. The menu usually consisted of catered finger sandwiches, fruit, deviled eggs, party wings, meatballs, cake and punch. I was also responsible for developing a community service platform that would be implemented throughout the year. My focus was mentoring. I chose this because beginning with my mother, I had many amazing mentors in my life and as I found out they too had been HBCU Queens. As Miss Jackson State University, I gained experience in public speaking, brand representation, relationship management, and strategic communication. You see, this was not just a title; it was a job! Networking is another critical, and often underestimated, benefit. HBCU Queens frequently develop close relationships with university presidents, administrators, alumni boards, and corporate sponsors. These connections can translate into mentorship, internships, job opportunities, and lifelong professional support. For many Queens, their first post-college opportunities are directly linked to relationships formed while serving their institutions. In a labor market where “who you know” often matters as much as “what you know,” this access is invaluable. After graduation, I returned to my alma mater and began my career as a Student Life administrator. Eventually, I served as advisor for the SGA and the Royal Court. Boy, was that an experience, now being on the other side of the fence. I quickly grew a deeper appreciation for
. Lori J. Evans . Lori J. Evans . Lori J. Evans . Lori
at football games, parades, luncheons, etc. In essence, THERE. IS. NO. DAY OFF! Although the schedules can be grueling, this position provides early exposure to professional environments that many students do not encounter until well after college. The leadership development embedded in the HBCU Queen experience is both intentional and rigorous. Queens are expected to successfully balance academic excellence with demanding schedules, manage competing priorities, and remain composed under scrutiny. This mirrors the realities of executive leadership, where performance, presence, and accountability intersect. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can lead with confidence, navigate complex environments, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
1998-1999. But, let me take you back to the beginning. My parents attended and met on the campus of Jackson State University in 1956. Through research of my mother’s yearbook, I learned that she was elected by her peers as Miss Junior in 1957. I remember attending the football games with my parents as a child and being mesmerized by the beautiful lady walking along the field wearing the shiny, bright crown and waving. With each wave, step, and smile, the crowd adorned her with cheers, claps and excitement. She was beautiful. She was captivating. She was graceful. She was who I wanted to be. So, as a five-year-old, I told my mother that I wanted to be “that” lady when I grew up. And of course, she obliged me and after that game bought me a plastic crown that she let me wear to all the football games. This was the beginning of my royal journey. As Miss Jackson State University, I had someone who managed my schedule because like many campus queens, I was expected to engage with students,
For me, this journey is personal. I attended Thee Jackson State
University and was elected by peers to reign as Miss Jackson State University
HBCU TIMES WINTER ISSUE 2026 | 1 1
Powered by FlippingBook