As the vibrant homecoming festivities commence at Fort Valley State University, students and alums are excited for the football game and a moment of historic significance. Nya Floyd, the reigning Miss Fort Valley State University, has made headlines by capturing the title of Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame 2024. Her win marks the first victory for the university in the pageant’s 39-year history.
Floyd competed against approximately a dozen other queens from historically black colleges and universities nationwide. Dressed in a blue jumpsuit and cape, Floyd’s three-minute speech focused on the importance of voting within the Black community. She concluded her presentation with a memorable signature line reminiscent of political campaign ads: “I am Nya Floyd. The 87th Miss Fort Valley State University… and I approve this message.”
Her victory comes hot on the heels of last year’s Queen, Anaya Arnold, who placed in the top five. “Our pageant coach, Mr. Rodney, was just like, ‘Okay, we were so close last year, we’ve got to bring it home,’ Floyd told WGXA News.
Despite her pageant triumph, Floyd emphasizes that the pageant experience extends beyond competition. Transitioning from a high school wrestler who competed against boys, she found camaraderie and support among her fellow contestants, whom she calls “sister queens.”
As the 87th Miss FVSU, her platform centers around “Game Plan: Graceful and Authentic Mentorship with Endless Support.” She advocates for the vital role mentorship plays in fostering success and leadership skills in future generations, which led her to an HBCU.
“I just think that mentorship plays a big part in our overall success. Especially for future generations, so we can mold them into the leaders that we need them to be in the future,” Floyd stated.