Crowns, class and razzle-dazzle: SC State celebrates its newest royalty

Jakari Jones and John Seay-Oliver crowned in Harlem Renaissance-inspired celebration of student leadership and tradition

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University celebrated a new chapter in its royal tradition Thursday, Oct. 22, as Jakari Jones of Columbia, South Carolina, and John Seay-Oliver of Atlanta were formally crowned the university's 90th Miss SC State and 13th Mister SC State.

Held in SC State's Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, the Coronation brought together university leaders, students, families and members of the Royal Court for an evening celebrating the achievements and responsibilities of two of the university's most prominent student ambassadors.

The ceremony embraced the theme "The Royal Renaissance: From Harlem to Orangeburg," with the accompanying message, "Where Culture, Courage, and Crowns Unite." The theme drew on the cultural significance of the Harlem Renaissance while recognizing the continuing traditions of leadership, creativity and excellence at SC State.

President Alexander Conyers congratulated Jones and Seay-Oliver on their selection and emphasized the responsibilities accompanying their titles. 

"Your selection to serve in these distinguished roles represents far more than the wearing of a crown or the carrying of a title. It reflects the confidence your fellow students have placed in you to represent the character, excellence and pride of this great institution," Conyers wrote in his message to the honorees.

"You now join a long and distinguished tradition of student leaders who have served as ambassadors for South Carolina State University." 

Conyers encouraged the students to use their platforms to strengthen the campus community and inspire their fellow Bulldogs.

Dr. Tamara Jeffries, vice president for student affairs, likewise challenged the new royalty to measure their success through service and the positive influence they have on others.

"To represent South Carolina State University is both a privilege and a responsibility. You now serve as ambassadors for an institution with a rich history and a proud legacy," Jeffries wrote. 

"As you serve in your respective roles, remember that true leadership is not defined by a title, but by how you serve others, use your voice, and make a positive difference."

Meet Miss SC State: Jakari Jones

Jones, the daughter of Jonnetta and Jerry Jones, is a graduating senior majoring in history with a minor in political science pre-law.

Her coronation marked another milestone in a collegiate journey that has included service as Miss Sophomore and Miss 1896.

A Presidential Scholar and charter member of the Flourish Leadership Academy, Jones has demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, student advocacy and community engagement.

She previously served as vice president of the History Club and participated in the NAACP and D.O.L.L.S. She was initiated into the Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in spring 2025.

Jones has also volunteered with Oliver Gospel Mission, Harvest Hope Food Bank and senior living communities.

Her platform, centered on empowerment and service, encourages students to develop confidence, embrace leadership opportunities and contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

Through initiatives such as 100 Women in Heels and Essentials of Excellence, she seeks to promote personal growth, unity and stronger connections between SC State and the Orangeburg community.

Following graduation, Jones plans to attend law school at a historically Black college or university and pursue a career as a civil rights attorney. 

Meet Mister SC State: John Seay-Oliver

Seay-Oliver, the son of Wendy Seay-Oliver and John Oliver, is a senior agribusiness major whose academic, athletic and leadership accomplishments have distinguished his years at SC State.

A three-time Presidential Scholar, he is a member of the Dr. Emily E. Clyburn Honors College and an 1890 AG Innovation Scholar. He was also recognized as the 2024 Innovation Honoree of the Year.

Seay-Oliver played on the SC State men's basketball team from 2023 to 2025, contributing to the Bulldogs' 2024-25 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season co-championship.

His campus leadership includes serving two terms on the executive board of the 101 Black Men of South Carolina State University Society, where he also held the title of Mister 101 Black Men. 

He is a member of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

 As Mister SC State, Seay-Oliver champions the platform JSØ — Just Serve Others, emphasizing humility, student empowerment, meaningful partnerships and preservation of the university's legacy.

His platform reflects a commitment to ensuring that his year of service produces benefits extending beyond his individual recognition.

A celebration of royal tradition

The coronation program included a parade of royalty, recognition of former Mister and Miss SC State titleholders and the entrance of the Royal Court.

The ceremony also featured the farewell and final walk of the outgoing royalty, Olivia Ratliff, the 89th Miss SC State, and Bryce McIntosh, the 12th Mister SC State. 

Following the official crowning, kings and queens representing various campus organizations treated the audience to a special choreographed dance performance set to Ray Charles' "Unchain My Heart," adding a lively touch to the evening's royal celebration.

WIS television journalist Billie Jean Shaw served as mistress of ceremonies alongside master of ceremonies Amauri Allen, media manager in SC State's Division of Strategic Communications and Marketing.

Shaw, an Emmy-nominated journalist and award-winning news anchor, is a native of Manning, South Carolina. Allen is an SC State alumnus from Greenville, South Carolina. 

The program included performances by Fusion Dance Academy and the United Voices of Christ Gospel Choir. 

Miss Homecoming Zenya Gantt and Mister Homecoming Richard Brooks delivered the welcome, while JaMelia Baylor-Stroud, Miss SC State for 1996-97, presented the occasion.

SC State's 2026-27 Royal Court

The university also recognized members of the Royal Court, representing class leadership and other campus distinctions.

Miss and Mister Freshman

• Kennedy Makaria Watts, Miss Freshman, a biology major from Orangeburg, South Carolina.
• Amare Jaivon Paugh, Mister Freshman, a marketing major from Sterling, Virginia.

Miss and Mister Sophomore

• Amanda Thomas, Miss Sophomore, a family and consumer sciences major from Cross, South Carolina.
• Semaj Lewis, Mister Sophomore, a marketing major from Columbia, South Carolina.

Miss and Mister Junior

• Kaitlyn Brooke Haynesworth, Miss Junior, a food and nutrition major from Lexington, South Carolina.
• Tylan Dyrell Thames, Mister Junior, an elementary education major from Manning, South Carolina.

Miss and Mister Senior 

• Lauren Johnson, Miss Senior, a psychology major with a minor in Spanish from Ladson, South Carolina.
• Trelyn Brown, Mister Senior, a fashion merchandising major from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Miss and Mister 1896

• Alia Chaunice Goode, Miss 1896, a broadcast communications major from Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Habeniom Woldabyezgi, Mister 1896, a psychology major from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Miss and Mister Garnet and Blue

• Za'harah Isis Yasmeen Mosley, Miss Garnet and Blue, from Racine, Wisconsin.
• Joshua Howard Goines Jackson, Mister Garnet and Blue, a nuclear engineering major from Baltimore.

Carrying the legacy forward

The coronation continued a tradition of student representation at SC State that dates to the 1930s. Through the decades, students selected for the university's royal titles have served as representatives of their classmates and ambassadors for the institution.

For Jones and Seay-Oliver, the ceremony formally recognized their place in that history while highlighting their individual commitments to student leadership and service.

Jeffries encouraged both students to remain accessible to their peers and make the most of their opportunities to represent the university. 

"Be visible, be accessible, listen to your fellow students, and represent SC State with dignity and excellence wherever you go," she wrote.

The evening concluded with the university's alma mater, bringing together the newest members of SC State's royal lineage and the Bulldog community in celebration of their shared traditions.

The annual event is coordinated by SC State's Office of Student Life and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs.