Vote for Mister and Miss Bowie State University in the CIAA Scholarship Competition

Campus Community Encouraged to Vote to Support Their Success

 

MEDIA CONTACT: kalexander1@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Mister Bowie State University Chief Bentil and Miss Bowie State University Nalani Byrd are proudly representing Bowie State University in the Mister and Miss CIAA Scholarship Competition, a prestigious event recognizing student leaders who excel in academics, professionalism, campus involvement, and public service. This year’s competition places a special emphasis on the importance of voting and the impact of CIAA institutions. 

The competition, which has been a staple in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for years, originally began with Miss CIAA before introduction Mister CIAA more recently. The contest primarily serves as a scholarship opportunity, allowing each CIAA school’s reigning king and queen to showcase their leadership and vie for the top prize. 

To qualify, participants were required to submit an essay, academic transcripts, a biography, and a video addressing a key CIAA-related topic. This year’s prompt reflected a significant milestone in CIAA history: the 50th anniversary of women’s sports, particularly basketball.  

Thomasina Boardley, widely known as “Coach T” within the Bowie State community and the Director of New Student Experiences and Student Engagement, highlighted the significance of the competition and the role voting plays in the selection process.  

“This year, with the CIAA celebrating 50 years of women’s sports, particularly basketball, our king and queen had to answer a question related to that milestone,” Boardley said.  “Voting brings visibility to each institution. It allows students to say, ‘Hey, that is our king and queen and they have done so much for our campus,’ It also helps faculty and staff recognize who is representing our university.” 

While voting, is a critical factor, it is only one of the components that determine the competition’s outcome. The winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship, providing additional support for their academic pursuits. 

Beyond the competition, Bentil and Byrd continue to make an lasting impact on Bowie State through their leadership and service. Their participation in the Mister and Miss CIAA Scholarship Competition not only showcases their individual talents but also reinforces Bowie State University’s legacy of excellence within the CIAA and beyond. 

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to cast their votes and support Bentil and Byrd as they strive to bring home the scholarship and recognition for Bowie State University. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.