Madysin Pigram, the 69th Miss Coahoma, and Ja'Veon Dennis-Howard, the 20th Mister
Coahoma, represented the college at the 24th Annual HBCU Kings and Queens Leadership
Conference, held July 16–19 in New Orleans, La. The event brought together student
leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide for leadership
development, networking and professional growth.
The four-day conference provided student kings and queens from HBCUs across the country with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. Participants explored topics including effective communication, civic engagement, servant leadership, career readiness and personal development.
Pigram and Dennis-Howard joined student leaders from institutions nationwide in discussions focused on leading with integrity, building stronger campus communities and serving as ambassadors for their colleges. The experience also allowed them to exchange ideas and best practices with fellow HBCU student leaders.
Featured speakers included recording artist Lady London, celebrity therapist and mental health advocate Dr. Jay Barnett, and technology leader Reginald Shareef, who shared perspectives on leadership, career preparation and personal success.
Conference programming also included a Fine Dining Etiquette Dinner, where participants developed professional dining skills while learning the importance of confidence and professionalism in business settings. Additional workshops emphasized workplace communication, teamwork, networking, conflict resolution and relationship building.
Sessions on civic engagement encouraged students to become active participants in their communities through advocacy, informed voting and public service. Wellness programming addressed stress management, emotional wellness, resilience and self-awareness, reinforcing the importance of maintaining personal well-being while serving in leadership roles.
Accompanying Pigram and Dennis-Howard throughout the conference was Nicole Ross, Assistant Director of Student Engagement and advisor to the Royal Court. In addition to supporting Coahoma's student ambassadors, Ross participated in conference activities and connected with student affairs professionals from HBCUs across the country, gaining ideas and best practices that can further strengthen leadership development and student engagement initiatives at Coahoma Community College.
One of the conference's signature experiences included a visit to Southern University at New Orleans, where participants met with university leadership, explored student engagement initiatives and exchanged ideas that can be adapted to strengthen leadership programming at Coahoma Community College.
The conference equipped Pigram and Dennis-Howard with new leadership strategies, professional connections and ideas that will support their continued service to the Coahoma Community College campus and the communities they represent.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon Band.