Candidates for Queen (Alphabetical Listing)

Emily AgeeEmily Agee photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for Middle Tennessee State University’s Homecoming Queen because I feel that with a great title comes great responsibility, a responsibility for promoting school spirit and being a representative for the university itself as a whole.  I believe I can be the ideal representative of what the MTSU Homecoming Queen should stand for and be someone who my fellow students can portray as an admirable person who advertises the university in a positive way. 

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
First off, I would find ways to promote a higher attendance by students at sporting events; I feel that bringing campus together to support our Blue Raiders is an important ingredient to making students at MTSU feel like they are a part of something more important than just attending classes. When you can get a student body to participate by coming to sporting events, it forms relationships and bonds while cheering on our team to victory.  Also being the title of Homecoming Queen, a more important role on campus, would be another way I would improve the quality of student life. I know that when a school representative has a huge presence on campus and promotes a tight knit community, people feel more compelled to be more involved and form a stronger bond with the campus community around them. This in turn will make students want to come to events on campus even after graduation and after that part of a proud alumni community.

Megan BerryMegan Berry photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for Homecoming Queen to encourage and inspire students around me. I want my campaign to serve as an inspiration to students and challenge them to get involved and make an impact on our campus. Generally, people think of homecoming as a “popularity” contest and I want to change the way people view the title. I feel through running I will be an inspiration to others by sharing my involvement and encouraging others to find their place of belonging within our campus community.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If I were selected as Queen, I would use my platform to inspire students through social media and campus outreach. I feel this would improve the quality of student life tremendously. I want every student to feel special and feel as if they are an important part of this university. I would use my platform to share the stories of students and highlight their accomplishments. Acknowledging the diversity and many talents of students on campus is so important to me, because it will change the way students view campus. They will have the chance to see there are people just like them, while still being encouraged to push themselves and strive for excellence.

Kaymi ButlerKaymi Buttler photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
Growing up I became that child believed to never succeed. In fifth grade I encountered a situation that damaged my childhood, corrupted my thought process, and ultimately destroyed my faith. The perfection driven, god-loving child that I was raised to become no longer existed. I was literally fighting a battle between heaven and hell. Fifth to Eleventh grade I began, what the system deemed as, offending, by damaging the lives of my peers mentally and physically. It wasn’t until college that I realized that I allowed my situation and personal hurt to hurt other people. I’ve shared this testimony with many, and to some who have used it against me. Although my faith is restored, I am still a work in progress. All my life I have been deemed to fail. I want to solely define myself. I want to beat the odds. I want to become your Homecoming Queen.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
In order to improve the quality of student life here at MTSU, I believe it is important to first improve the quality of self-interest of each individual. Although a transfer student, as a freshman I didn’t involve myself in any organizations nor did I find interest in making friends. Thus, transferring to MTSU I kept to myself and didn’t join any organization until my last semester of my Junior year. My refusal to engage was due to personal infliction. I allowed the thoughts of others to control how I felt about myself. I was scared to be judged and to let my true self shine. I am interested in implementing a program that seeks to destroy any self-inflicted barriers and promotes progression. I imagine this program to not only instill confidence, but follow-up on each individual at MTSU who engages in this program. Everybody is worth the extra effort.

Hayley DawsonHayley Dawson photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am honored to have been nominated by Chi Omega to run for MTSU’s 2016 Homecoming Queen. I have lived in Murfreesboro my entire life and have always loved the Blue Raider community. I was a cheerleader for MTSU my sophomore year, I am a member of the SGA Philanthropic Committee and am currently serving on Chi Omega's executive board as treasurer. I am so grateful for all of the opportunities and connections this university and the organizations I’m involved with have provided me and I am very excited to be given the chance to represent MTSU as Homecoming Queen.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
Throughout my years at MTSU I have done my best to be very involved in campus organizations and events and I believe my involvement has shaped my collegiate experience to be the best years of my life. If selected as 2016 Homecoming Queen I will continue my involvement and do my best to influence the student body become more involved on campus by joining organizations, becoming student leaders, and attending sporting events. I hope to instill a sense of True Blue Pride in our community.

Faith FewFaith Few photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for Homecoming Queen because I would love to represent the student body of MTSU. As a transfer student, MTSU has embraced me and has allowed me to grow into the individual I knew I always could be. MTSU has empowered me, and I want to give that back. To the girl who thinks she can't do it, you can! To the boy who comes on the football team as a walk-on, you do have what it takes! And to the students who think they can't make a difference, YES YOU CAN! There is one thing that never changes and that is time. I am running for Homecoming Queen because I am going to make the most out my time left at MTSU to encourage, empower and embrace the True Blue spirit with my fellow peers. 

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
Being the founder of a non-profit organization, I know what it means to give my time into things that are dear to me. If I were selected Queen, I would spend time getting fundraisers together for student groups on the campus. I would help them organize their own fundraisers to increase their club funds. This would allow the clubs to have more educational opportunities. I also believe that listening to the student body about their concerns is very important. The best way to know the people is to listen to the people. I couldn't think of better way to spend my time as Queen than with the students who elected me so. 

Laxaviera GarrettLaxaviera Garrett photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
Arriving to Middle Tennessee State University on August 13, 2013 my journey has been life changing. I’ve grown tremendously and I truly believe opening up and embracing yourself is the ultimate start of self-growth, I believe that running for homecoming queen gives me the opportunity to connect and help others branch out and find what makes them happy on campus, which I have done over the past 3 years building relationships and great opportunities with people that’s invaluable. During my academic years I’ve became involved in multiple organizations which are dear to my heart. I’ve reached my calling, and this campus has helped and is still helping me transform. I love being a blue raider and also my heart has grown fond for the Middle Tennessee community.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If selected Queen, I would first make sure I stay connected with the student body of the campus. I also would like to connect more with the faculty and staff to make sure everyone is included and appreciated. I would like for everyone on campus to know that they have a voice and can be heard. Qualities that I will bring to the campus is being a brave, strong communicator, being very curious and embrace the possibilities for our campus, and also be openly accepting to criticism and change. I would also like to bring more things to campus to get everyone more hands on involvement to bring great school spirit.

Ezmer Harris

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
As a True Blue woman with the major of Forensic Science, I am geared towards community service for the growth and nourishment of MTSU and its surrounding community. I am a senior and for the past 3 years I’ve ate, slept, and lived in the library, with my head stuck in a chemistry or Biology book. One thing I noticed on my journey to becoming a senior is that I had no stories to tell my family and friends about my experience here at MTSU. I am running because I feel it is now my time to venture out and actually get the full experience of being a True Blue student. I’m just a normal student trying to show all my peers that being normal isn’t the same thing as being boring! “Help me make our story the best story you’ve ever heard!”

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If I were selected to be the Homecoming Queen of MTSU, I would help to improve the campus and community surrounding it with community service and ideas of how, we, as a student body can come together in unity and make an impact. I am a member on the SGA Philanthropic Committee; I am also a mentor to many students on campus and an employee for The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership; where students come for advice on what to do on campus and how to do it. I want to make it my duty to inform as many students as I can on things they should know about MTSU and how to thrive here and after graduation. My message is for all the students of MTSU, “although we are here to get an education for our bright futures, don’t forget to live for the now!”

Kellye HayesKellye Hayes photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for Middle Tennessee State University’s 2016 Homecoming Queen, because I love the campus, student body, and everything that this university stands for. I enjoy being a student at the best university in the state of Tennessee. MTSU is such a phenomenal and diverse place, where there are endless opportunities for each student to be successful. As a senior, looking back over the last four years, getting involved and engaged on campus and throughout the Rutherford Community, made my college experience an outstanding one and for that I will always be TRUE BLUE and a Blue Raider at heart.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If I were selected to be Middle Tennessee State University’s 2016 Homecoming Queen, I would be an active voice for the student body. I would encourage students to get involved and enjoy their college experience (just as I did). I would like to see students participate on campus and take part in not only social events, but service events, as well. I will continue to volunteer my time and heart to help keep this campus uplifted in the True Blue Spirit.

Savannah HillSavannah Hill photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for homecoming queen not only in hopes of gaining the title, but also to bring awareness of a gigantic problem we have in the United States: Homelessness. As someone who is not only heavily involved on MTSU campus, but also in her community, I understand the power in numbers. I know that with this platform many people who usually turn a blind eye will soon be a part of the solution. As the founder and president of a non-profit on campus, I am so thankful that MTSU has given me the means to touch many lives.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
I will continue to lead by example of what a driven Middle Tennessee State University student can do. No matter who you are or where you come from, here is a place where the sky is the limit. I am a humanitarian striving to help those around me. My goal has always been to unify everyone; be it the young and the old, the rich and the poor, and from all walks of life. I hope to bring people to the understanding that we are greater together.

Emily HollingsworthEmily Hollingsworth photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I have dedicated my college career to developing characteristics that embody the spirit of being a Blue Raider such as: perseverance, dedication, involvement and being TRUE BLUE. I am running for Homecoming Queen because I want to share my pride for this school, and I would love to have the opportunity to represent that in front of our community.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
As an active member of MTSU’s diverse community, I regularly make a conscious effort to amplify the student, faculty, staff and visitor experience at MTSU. Through my position on the SGA Senate, I have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the students in my college. Being Homecoming Queen would allow me to serve as a sort of ambassador for student life on campus, thus giving me the ability to share the thoughts and requests of the student body with those who have the authority to make changes.

Kaitlyn NoffsingerKaitlyn Noffsinger

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
As a freshman standing in Floyd Stadium during the homecoming game versus East Carolina, I remember how excited everyone was.  Standing in a blue sea cheering on the Raiders made me more excited to be a part of this great university. Throughout my experience at MTSU, my passion for this university has grown tremendously. I have joined a sorority (AOII), spent two summers being a Student Orientation Assistant, recruited with the Blue Elite team and cheered on our Blue Raider Athletics. To end my senior year with a big bang, I decided to run for Homecoming Queen.  I have an enormous passion for MTSU and would be honored to represent this university in this way.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
In my current point of view, MTSU rocks! The quality of student life is good here at Middle Tennessee State University. I believe there are many opportunities for students to get involved to make this campus “home”.  However, if I were elected Homecoming Queen I would have more exposure to the Administration and the student body as a whole. I would have more opportunities to learn of new ideas and be involved in making those changes. I’ve always had a passion for MTSU Athletics since I was a kid. As Homecoming Queen, I would promote the support of all Blue Raider events.

Paige PattonPaige Patton photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I’m running for Homecoming Queen to create unity among students at MTSU. MTSU has stood by the promise of diversity on its campus, but now it’s time to take the next step. Although I am a senior, my mission is to give back and to offer the same phenomenal opportunities that I had plus more. I would like to bring more awareness to the resources offered on campus. I’ve spent my four years here growing, learning and excelling while watching my peers and university expand. During my tenure, I have been privileged to observe the many organizations/outreach programs available to the student body. If given the opportunity, I will give back and ensure that MTSU strives towards continued excellence. I plan to push the standards and create a long living legacy by taking the next step…. Creating UNITY!

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
I would like to start the ground work for an annual “Unity Day”. This will be a day filled with cultural activities, networking and entertainment. “Unity Day” will be the legacy I plan to leave behind for Middle Tennessee State University. Additionally, I would like to address some concerns expressed by the student body. I plan to work with SGA to address the faculty gun policy. I would like to create a policy that requires any employee who submits a “Notification of Employee’s Intent to Carry a Concealed Handgun” form to be released to the student body. Next, I would like to address the lack of awareness of parking regulations. I want the campus to invest in on-campus signs that displays primary rules for ticketing and towing. Lastly, I will present a proposal for a parking grace period during the first week of school. I hope working together will enhance the #TRUEBLUE spirit.

De’Ontra SaulsberryDe'Ontra Saulsberry photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I aspire to become Homecoming Queen because I believe that I am the best candidate that can represent MTSU in a positive way by exhibiting high quality leadership, character, and Raider pride. I know that I possess the qualities that a queen should have such as; being academically focused, confronting problems or situations positively and head on, having a great personality, and carrying myself as a young lady should. Homecoming is about reuniting the past scholars/alumni with the new. Lastly, upholding the title as the 2016-2017 Homecoming queen is a huge title to uphold and I know that I can take on the challenge by working with school administration and my fellow peers to make MTSU a home where scholars grow up to leave, and grow old wanting to come back. 

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If selected as queen, to improve student life at MTSU I would create diverse events on campus that will seek to involve the whole student body. By doing so, I would provide student surveys to identify their wants and needs to become a more active Raider on campus.  I believe that every student’s voice should be heard and they need to know they are being heard. I feel as if the events aren’t geared towards everyone and most students aren’t experiencing all the things that MTSU can potentially offer. College is the best time of a young adult’s life and I want to help create that culture at MTSU.   I also would like to have more volunteering opportunities so that we can help give back to within the community and on campus through service to all mankind.

Oshavonna “Tee” SmithOshavonna "Tee" Smith photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for homecoming queen simply because I am a friendly person and I feel like I am well connected with a lot people on campus whether they are in an organization or not. I have met numerous people during my time here at MTSU and have learned a lot of new things from them. I never really considered running until I had multiple sisters and friends tell me to go for it because they think I have what it takes, when hearing that it made me realize how much a loving support system I have behind me, and made me that much more eager to run.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If selected Queen, I would continue making new friends and connections and use my major, organizational communications to the best of my abilities to get more students connected and better acquainted with each other so that we could all work hard on motivating each other to do and be our best, both inside and outside of the classroom and to be the best representation of MTSU that we can possibly be.

Michaela UpchurchMichaela Upchurch photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for Homecoming Queen because I believe that I represent what it means to be “true blue”; for the last three years, I have contributed to our MTSU community as a business student, sorority woman, and Band of Blue member.  My commitment to learning has led me to take courses and participate in programming in almost every college here at MTSU and has provided me with the opportunity to engage with students from all walks of life and fields of study.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
One thing that I would do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU would be to push to have more on-campus programming and events during traditional school hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm). Because a large portion of MTSU students are transfer students and commuters, I believe that making programming more accessible during mornings and afternoons will help increase involvement and engagement within the general student body.

Brandi WhitakerBrandi Whitaker photo

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I feel as though the Homecoming Queen should embody the school’s vision and is able to represent the student body and its entirety. I am a transfer student and since I began my journey as a blue raider here on MTSU’s campus I have noticed so many things that I would benefit from, as well as my fellow student body members could benefit from if these things were implemented. By becoming the Homecoming Queen, my title and the duties that are attached to this crown will stretch further beyond then just winning. I feel that this is an opportunity for me to offer more resources for the student body on campus and display my leadership abilities by serving my campus.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If I, Brandi Whitaker, were selected to be Homecoming Queen I would implement self-esteem awareness programs where students who feel as though they don't meet certain social stability feel more at home at Middle Tennessee State University. I feel as though this awareness program will not only grow our student body activity as a whole but the goal will be met as our students will engage as a prominent student body family. In addition, if chosen, I would implement into student life for investing in care stations for long commutes to class. This idea will help accommodate students' health if they need to hydrate where we can give them water or Gatorade for replenishing from the electrolytes and restoring energy throughout the day; other necessities can be added to the "care package" such as: towels, an apple, lip chap, and hand sanitizer, just to name a few.

Celecita Williams

Why are you running for Homecoming Queen?
I am running for homecoming Queen because I am interested in serving my college community to the best of my ability. I believe I have just the right amount of school spirit and a sense of being “down to earth” that is required to be homecoming Queen. I am a Senior on campus and have seen multiple changes over the years that I know will continue for the better here at MTSU.

If you were selected Queen, what would you do to improve the quality of student life at MTSU?
If I were selected I would try my best to make sure that every student’s voice is heard on campus. I would make sure that everyone feels that this school is the place they need to be. A lot of people walk away from the college experience and hate all 4 years or quit before then. I would like to take on the job of finding out why many dislike their experience and how it can be improved. I would also like to bring a community amongst all organizations on campus. As much as it may seem that organizations are working together, there is much more work to be done. I believe that if we all work together MTSU will continue to succeed as a community.