Alabama State University College of Education crowned Maya Odom, a sophomore elementary education major from Valdosta, Georgia, as the first Miss College of Education, and junior Andre Cooper as the first Mr. College of Education during the first Mr. and Miss College of Education Pageant held on Sept. 24, at the Vivian DeShields Auditorium in Ralph David Abernathy Hall.

The College of Education coordinated the pageant to highlight academic excellence, leadership and creativity while making history for the college.

Jerry Colbert Jr. hosted the event, which featured five “Miss” contestants: Odom, Cherish Truitt, a senior early childhood education major from Atlanta, Mia Mixon, a sophomore elementary education major from Tuscaloosa, Tyra Fedrick, a sophomore special education major from Baxley, Georgia, and Trinity Barron, a junior early childhood education major from McDonough, Georgia.

In addition to Odom’s crowning, the event resulted in the crowning of Cooper as Mr. College of Education 2025–26, Charity Stephens as Miss Lady of Distinction in Education, and Adaryll Lewis Jr. as Mr. Man of Distinction in the College of Education.

“My mission is to truly get the word out about education and how important it is to have teachers in the classroom,” Cooper said. “I want to provide more information about the department and make sure our presence is felt around campus.”

Odom said she plans to use her platform with purpose.

“Honestly, it is so exciting. I am so excited for everything God has in store for me,” Odom said. “I want to use my platform to inspire the love of education, and I am just excited.”

She encouraged other young women to embrace challenges.

“Honestly, it just starts with being uncomfortable,” Odom said. “Being uncomfortable allows you to step out of your comfort zone. It allows you to do things you never thought you would do. Just do it gracefully and have God by your side.”

Truitt, a senior contestant, participated in the pageant but was unavailable for comment.

Judges for the evening included Denise D. Vaughn, Ed.D., Erica Caffey, Ed.D., Dorrian Richardson, Kiera Daniels and Clinton Chisholm Jr.

Special performances included a selection by the OneAChord, an a cappella glee club.

The program also recognized those who helped organize the event. Anthony Broughton, Ed.D., associate dean of the College of Education, presented the Excellence in Execution Service Award to pageant coordinator Christopher Gillion for carrying out the vision first shared by Richardson.  Broughton also presented the Visionary Service Award to Richardson for creating the pageant.

Students said the event reflected growth and collaboration.

“The pageant was wonderful! I am so glad that I did it, and I loved it,” Fedrick said.

“When we come together, we can do amazing things,” Barron said. “This has not been done before, but thanks to our advisors who pitched the idea and executed it, we made it happen.”

“It shows that education can do more than just teach,” Mixon said. “It impacts how we grow as leaders and how we encourage each other to step outside of our comfort zones.”

Supporters also shared their pride.

“Keep shooting for the stars,” said Xavion Barron, father of contestant Trinity Barron. “The worst thing you could do is fall short and land on the moon.”

Tovia Hardy, a sophomore marketing major, said attending the event gave her a chance to support her peers.

“This was my first pageant, and I think it is worth having,” Hardy said. “I came out to support Tyra, and we definitely showed up to cheer her on.”

Faculty and staff echoed the significance of the evening.

Hannah O. Jones, administrative secretary for the Instructional Support Program in the College of Education, said it was her first time attending a pageant.

“I came to support because I work in the College of Education,” Jones said. “This was my very first pageant, and I loved being here.”