For more than 33 years, Sheyann Webb Christburg directed coronations and pageants at Alabama State University, mentoring generations of students and building on traditions that stretch across decades.
With more than 45 years of experience in the industry overall, Christburg placed an indelible mark on both the university and the broader community.
A native of Selma, Alabama, and a Tuskegee University graduate, Christburg’s love for pageantry and productions began in elementary school when she competed in her first school fundraiser pageant. She went on to participate in local and regional competitions, including the Elks Club Pageant, where she earned the title of first runner-up, and later in debutante events.
“I started very young,” she recalled. “As I matriculated through school, I became more interested in etiquette and presenting myself as a young lady, and I wanted to pass that knowledge on to others.”
Her passion soon extended from competing to directing. Christburg’s first experience organizing a pageant came during a church fundraiser while she was still in high school. She said that early opportunity, along with assisting community leaders with other pageants, gave her the foundation for the career she would later pursue at the university.
This year’s event marks her 33rd year directing coronations and pageants at the university.
“I never work with students in any capacity where I cannot give them proper advice beyond their college careers,” she said. “Mentorship, encouragement and guidance have always been at the heart of what I do.”
Christburg said the university’s traditions have remained strong even as times have changed.
“Society has changed. People have changed,” she said. “That is why it is so important to emphasize training while preparing them. You have to meet students where they are, and even go beyond.”
For her, pageantry and coronations have always been a platform for growth.
“There are a lot of great students at Alabama State University, talented, intelligent, with so much to offer,” she said. “In preparation for these events, you just stay in a mode of encouragement, motivation and development.”
She acknowledged that every event comes with challenges but said her background as a youth advocate has prepared her to face them.
“I do not know any coordination that has not come with challenges,” she said. “What I have learned is how to deal with those challenges and become a better person in my advocacy.”
Although she spoke about passing the torch, Christburg has no plans to retire.
“A lot of people retire, but it does not end their work,” she said. “I thank God that I still have the energy, mindset and motivation to continue. The word retirement has not been cemented with me.”
Instead, she hopes to guide the next generation.
“It is very important to listen, to know that this is something you really want to do,” she advised. “You have to be patient, take time to learn and not be afraid to ask questions. Managing people and staying professional are critical.”
Christburg also hopes contestants leave with lessons they can carry into life.
“I would hope that students take away the importance of being committed to what they are doing and not just doing something to do it,” she said. “Know why you are doing it so you can bring the best results out of it. Commitment is critical.”
Looking back, she pointed to Miss Alabama State University 1999, Angela Harris Hampton, as one of the queens who left a lasting impression.
“She is a young lady with class who is always distinguished,” Christburg said. “Angela exemplified so much class when she held her title, and she still does today as a teacher, administrator, mother and wife. That is something to be very proud of.”
Asked to sum up her decades of work in one word, Christburg chose “accomplished.”
“It embodies all that you have to have to be successful,” she said. “Through the good, the bad and the ugly, I have seen how impactful my work has been. Sometimes you have to pat yourself on the back. Based on my experiences, I feel very accomplished in this capacity.”
