Jordan Outing, Miss North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University put N.C. A&T back on the map, winning fourth runner up in the Competition of Black College Queens, a victory that has not been seen since 2009.

Last weekend at the 29th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend Conference, 22 Misses from HBCU’s across the country gathered to compete for the Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame title.

Amongst the 22 Misses, 10 were picked for the talent competition and evening wear which led to the top five who were selected for question and answer, the final component in the competition.

“I had been feeling the pressure of making top 10,” said Outing, senior international management student.

N.C. A&T had not placed in the top 10 since 2009 when Ngozi Opora was Miss A&T. TaNisha Fordham was the last Miss A&T to win the overall title for N.C. A&T for the 2008-2009 school year.

According to The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame cite, the focus of the Competition of Black College Queens is to provide an opportunity for young women attending our nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities to better prepare for the future. The competition itself encourages contestants to gain self-awareness, self-confidence, individual pride, pride for their institution and a greater social awareness overall.

Outing won fourth runner up, receiving a NBCA Hall of Fame bouquet of roses, plaque and a scholarship award for $500.00.

Outing who had been preparing for the pageant since May recounts her first day, “Ms. Ashleigh put a stack of paper on my head and told me to walk.”  

“Jordan has grown tremendously during the preparation process for Miss Hall of Fame. Her focus, tenacity and determination grew apparent after each practice session. She wanted to represent A&T well. I believe she realized a lot about herself through the process and the type of Queen she wants to be. I am very proud of her transformation,” said SGA Advisor Ashleigh Taylor. Taylor, who is no stranger to the process, having first hand experience not too long ago.

 “I am a past Miss NBCAHOF 2011-2012, representing Tennessee State University,” said Taylor.

“My experience taught me the value in hard work and confidence. It takes a lot to compete against your peers. I tried to be as supportive as possible.

My advisor taught me the importance of dedication and preparation for the pageant. Although the process can be overwhelming, it is worth it.”

Outing, who put pressure on herself this past weekend, explained it was hard and exhausting. Outing had to remind herself constantly that she was still a person, and a student. “When I say I was stressed it wasn’t because

I was ill prepared, just the anxiety,” said Outing.

Outing went through an interview process, which contributed to her selection in the top 10. She then performed a dance, expressing her emotion of the passing of her parents.

Outing lost her parents at ages 13 and 14. Her mother passed from cancer and her father passed from a massive heart attack.

“It was hard to do because it was so emotional,” said Outing. Although affected as a child she finds it more of a challenge now that she is getting older.

“It’s a motivator because I want to make them proud,” said Outing.

The opening of her act was originally set to be a showing of a home video of her and her parents, celebrating her second birthday. Due to technical difficulties the video was not shown; however, an audio was played of her mother reading her birthday card. Outing’s picture frame, which served as a prompt in her dance helped bring out the emotion and sentimental value.

“It was a phenomenal breathtaking experience seeing our queen compete,” said SGA VPEA James Brown. “I was excited to see her get fourth runner up, although I did want her to win I feel like N.C. A&T made their make in the competition.”

Elisa Monice’ Thomas, Miss University of the Virgin Islands won the competition overall.

“It’s nothing like the Chancellor coming on stage saying how proud of me he was,” said Outing. She recalls smiling at Chancellor Martin and wife

Davida Wagner, former county attorney for Forsyth County, N.C., who were sitting in the front row.

“Just relax and be yourself,” said Outing when speaking about the Miss A&T who will come after her. “Understand the magnitude of the pageant.

Understand how important it is. You will still come back a winner but to know your university is back on the map it feels great.”

Outing explained her natural excitement about life. “People ask why I am so happy, [but] life can be over very quickly,” said Outing.

Today, we celebrate the Queen, her accomplishments, and her birthday.

—Email Meagan  at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @itsme_agannn

• Meagan Jordan Editor in Chief