Dillard University held the coronation ceremony for the honored titles of Mister and Miss Dillard University 2023-2024. The prestigious event occurred at Livaudais Hall on Second Street, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Trinity Monique James, a senior nursing major from San Diego, California, was crowned the 88th Miss Dillard University. Tyler James Finley, a senior biology major from Memphis, Tennessee, joined the ranks as the 18th Mister Dillard University.
During the coronation ceremony, President Rochelle L. Ford with past queens Jerika M. Edwards, the 87th Miss Dillard University, and DeJoan Mitchell, the 86th Miss Dillard University, bestowed the crown upon Miss Dillard. Mister Dillard received his title from President Ford, along with the past king Spencer M. Jones, the 17th Mister Dillard University.
James’ crowning marked her fourth consecutive reign, having previously served as Miss Freshman 2020-2021, Miss Sophomore 2021-2022, and Miss Junior 2022-2023. Finley also served alongside James as Mister Freshman 2020-2021, and held the Student Government Association Vice President position during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The royal court included the following individuals:
– Miss Senior: Zaria Ivory, a music major from Oakland, California.
– Mr. Senior: Marquise Hall, majoring in Criminal Justice, from Prairieville, Louisiana.
– Miss Junior: Keriana Rogers, pursuing a criminal justice major from Port Arthur, Texas.
– Mr. Junior: Jason Adams, an accounting major from St. Louis, Missouri.
– Miss Sophomore: Braelyn Sykes, majoring in health science, from Houston, Texas.
– Mr. Sophomore: Jarreau Vinson, a music industry major from Miami, Florida.
– Miss Freshman: Waltiyana Carter, a theater major from Thibodaux, Louisiana.
– Mr. Freshman: Paris Allen, pursuing a major in public health, from LaPlace, Louisiana.
The evening featured a waltz performed by the royal court. Additionally, the audience was enthralled by outstanding performances from ALayzah Alexander ’25, the Dillard University Diamonds, Brooklyn Anderson ’24, and the Dillard Jazz Ensemble.
Dillard University takes pride in its tradition of fostering cultural excellence by recognizing outstanding individuals. The university extends its warmest congratulations to Trinity Monique James and Tyler James Finley, as well as each member of the royal court, for their remarkable achievements. The reign of Mister and Miss Dillard University 2023-2024 promises to be a memorable one as they continue to exemplify the spirit of excellence and embody the university’s values.
