The finalists for the annual Mr. and Ms. U of M Homecoming competition were announced on Monday, Oct. 7. The winners are to be announced at halftime at U of M’s homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 26.
This year, the competition’s finalists are Redding Jackson, Raphael Jamias, Sierra Neal, Laterrion Nwolise, Javarious Smiley, Mariah Thomas, Reagan Williams, and Garrett Weinberg.
The finalists introduced themselves and their prior experience at the University.
“Originally from South Bend, Indiana, I moved to Tennessee in 2016,” said Jackson, a senior broadcast journalism major with a minor in African American studies. “When I transferred to UofM in 2022, it was more than just an academic decision—it was a chance to start fresh and pursue the goals I had set for myself.”
“I began my journey as a student at U of M as a Social Change Scholar; however now I am an Emerging Leader Scholar, so my passion is rooted in uplifting and promoting change in my community,” said Neal, a senior Nursing major.
“I am from the small town of Lexington, TN, and moved to Memphis back in August of 2021,” said Weinberg, a senior business management major with a minor in marketing. “During my time at the University of Memphis, I have taken the time to join many different organizations, each changing and shaping who I am as a leader and as a person in today's society.”
Why do the finalists want to compete this year?
“I wanted to participate in this year's competition to represent the student body and be a voice for my peers,” said Smiley, a junior criminal justice major with a minor in psychology. “I believe that Mr. U of M should embody the spirit of inclusivity and support for all students, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.”
“If I am fortunate enough to gain the title of Ms. University of Memphis, I will make it my goal to make sure students have a sense of belonging and support,” said Thomas, a senior marketing major with a minor in journalism. “I will help students succeed by providing professional resources, fostering open conversations about mental health, and celebrating our campus’ diversity.”
“I wanted to participate in the Ms. University of Memphis application process this year to experience the perks that come with being a finalist: recognition for your hard work over the past few years, walking the field during halftime of the homecoming game, and the platform that allows you to educate students on important issues that should be addressed on campus,” said Williams, a biomedical engineering major with a minor in community action and social change.
What do the finalists hope to achieve upon winning Mr. and Ms. U of M?
“If I win, my goal is to foster unity and cultural awareness across campus, making sure all students feel empowered,
valued and heard,” said Jackson. “Initiatives like a campus-wide Cultural Exchange Fair and a Cultural Ambassadors Program would help us celebrate our diversity and learn from each other.”
“Through my action plan ‘Tiger Smart,’ I want to achieve more safety education at Memphis,” said Jamias, a senior nursing major. “I want every student to have the tools to feel safe and thrive. One of the biggest contributors to student success is being in a safe environment.”
“If I have the honor of being crowned the next Ms. University of Memphis, I aim to strengthen the bond between the University of Memphis and the city of Memphis,” said Neal. “The Empower Mentorship Program ensures that students begin their college journey with a mentor and graduate with the assurance of support from a city that has generously invested in all of the students.”
“If I am fortunate enough to gain the title of Ms. University of Memphis, I will make it my goal to make sure students have a sense of belonging and support,” said Thomas. “As the next Ms. University of Memphis, I will help students succeed by providing professional resources, fostering open conversations about mental health, and celebrating our campus’ diversity.”
Why is each finalist the best candidate to win this year?
“I am the best candidate from Mr. U of M because I represent the underrepresented,” said Jamias. “I’m an Asian American in a school where Asian Americans only represent five percent of the student demographic, a male nursing student in a field dominated by women, and I come from a different background than most in an IFC fraternity.”
“I believe I’m the right candidate for Ms. U of M because my journey has been about resilience, growth, and creating a village that lifts each other up,” said Jackson. “I didn’t know many people when I first transferred, but this community welcomed me with open arms. I want to create that same welcoming environment for others, showing that no matter where you start, you can achieve your goals with the right support.”
“I believe I am the best candidate for Ms. University of Memphis because I am for our campus community,” said Thomas. “I’ve built connections, created opportunities, and fostered a supportive community. I have a great passion for helping others, combined with my experience and dedication, making me the best candidate to create a welcoming, empowering environment.”
“I believe I am the best candidate to represent Mr. U of M because of my commitment to serving others and my dedication to making a positive impact on campus,” said Smiley. “I have firsthand experience in understanding the challenges students face, and I aim to bridge the gap between students and the administration.”
Voting is currently open in TigerZone and is set to close on Thursday, October 24, at 11:30pm.
