Keyondre Hunt, a senior majoring in computer science from the rural town of Danville, Virginia. He now proudly serves as the 18th Mister Virginia Union University. Throughout his life, he has faced numerous challenges, often being tasked with difficult responsibilities at a young age. Despite these obstacles, he never gave up and always found a way to push through, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. This resilience is the foundation of the platform he stands on today: “Never Give Up.” As Mister VUU, his mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity, embrace perseverance, and continuously strive for success, no matter the obstacles in their path. Beyond academics, he is passionate about community service, leadership development, and supporting the success of my peers. He is committed to making a positive impact on this campus and leaving a legacy of determination, dedication, and unwavering strength.

Chief Wesley Bentil is a first-generation college student from Prince George’s County, MD, by way of Accra, Ghana. Throughout his college career, Chief has served in various roles, including Freshman Social Media Representative, Mister Sophomore, Bowie Models Inc. Marketing Director, Mister Junior, Mister NAACP, Polemarch of the Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, New Student Orientation Leader, HBCU Mister and Miss Ambassador, Eastern Province Junior Vice Polemarch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Advisory Board Member, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity Alumni Relations Chair. Chief is also a Mackenzie Scott Scholar and an HBCU Exelon Scholar. Beyond Academics, Chief has a passion for fashion and creativity, founding his luxury streetwear brand, “Ikonic Parlay,” alongside a design collective. He has modeled with Nike or the DTLR HBCU “Back 2 School” collaboration; and worked with top designers, including Project Runway’s Sergio Hudson and Romeo Hunte. Chief has also escorted top models at Harlem Fashion Row, featured in Moevir Paris Magazine and received recognition from BET’s Lead photographer Phelan Marc. Despite his passion for creativity, Chief aspires to use his Computer Technology degree to find efficient breast cancer solutions to aid in breast cancer treatment.

Derrion Campbell is a senior, Elementary Education Major from Florence, SC. Derrion is highly active on the campus of Claflin University, serving as a member of Call Me Mister, the Delta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a campus tailor and barber, and a member of the Claflin University Royal Court. Derrion is a Dean's List scholar who has been consistently recognized as the School of Education's Most Outstanding Scholar. He gives all honor to God for his accomplishments. Derrion’s favorite quote is, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” He aspires to inspire everyone he encounters to realize that God has given them the power to soar beyond the skies. Upon graduating, he plans to become an elementary school teacher and pursue graduate studies to further his development as an educator, ultimately aspiring to become an administrator. He is excited to demonstrate Claflin confidence and visionary leadership both in the classroom and beyond, aiming to make a meaningful impact in his community and around the world.

Talmage Turner, a native of Detroit, Michigan, is an accomplished senior majoring in Aviation Science with a concentration in Flight Education. He comes from a loving family of four, Paul and Vallorie Turner, and one older brother, Avery Turner. As a proud product of the Detroit Public School system, Talmage graduated from the Detroit School of Fine and Performing Arts, where he majored in Vocal Performance under the direction of Ms. Cheryl Valentine. He was the president of the Detroit School of Arts Concert Choir and Vision Male ensemble while performing in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He started the school’s first chess club and coached his students from 2019-2020. During his sophomore year, Talmage began his aviation career with the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Museum and took his first flight in December 2020. Bringing a close to his high school career, Talmage received several scholarships and awards and was a member of Detroit’s prestigious Midnight Golf Program. Among those scholarships and awards were the Michigan Chronicle S.W.A.G. Scholarship, N.A.A.C.P.’s ACT-SO competition, and Omega Psi Phi’s Talent Hunt competition. Beginning in Fall 2021, Talmage enrolled as an Aviation Science major with a concentration in Flight Education. Talmage was a member of Champion Scholars and the University Choir under the direction of Dr. Walter Swan. He quickly grew in the aviation department by obtaining his Private Pilot’s license, joining the N.I.F.A. Flight Team, becoming a free tutor, and mentoring the 2022 Summer class of J.R.O.T.C. Flight Cadets all within his first year at E.C.S.U. Since then, Talmage has competed and placed in the Royzell Dillard Memorial Scholarship Competition, became an Executive Leadership Council scholar and ambassador, Republic Airways cadet and ambassador, Study Abroad ambassador, and is a Spring 2024 initiate of the Lambda Gamma chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After Graduation, Talmage plans to return to the university as a flight instructor with goals of becoming an airline pilot. Lastly, Talmage believes in the importance of reaching back to lift others up, living selflessly, and giving back whenever possible. He says that none of his journey would be remotely possible without the support of his village. That would be his family, past and present friends, mentors, professors, and anyone who has had a meaningful impact on his growth into the man he is today.

Caleb Mercer is from Rocky Mount, NC and is the son of Tiffany Mercer and Darrel Thorne. He is a Sports and Fitness Management major and is a member of the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, Collegiate 100, and the Male Matriculation Institute. Caleb is also a proud member of the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. After graduation Caleb plans to obtain an internship and become an Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher in either Cumberland, Nash, or Edgecombe Counties and eventually open a training facility in his hometown to give back to young athletes. His career aspiration is to ultimately become a head Athletic Director at a college or university.

Kameron Charles Sanders is a senior business marketing scholar and a James B. Duke full-tuition recipient from Fort Worth, Texas. Kameron, the eldest of four siblings and the son of Brittany Hatcher and Anthony Sanders, credits his success to his family’s support and strong moral compasses. Arriving at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) as a shy, soft-spoken high school senior, Kameron found himself transformed into a confident leader. He has completed five internships, gaining valuable experience in his field. Kameron’s campus involvement includes New Innovative Leaders of Education, the JCSU E-Sports team, the National Association of Black Accountants, the Golden Bull Brand Ambassador, Mellow Minds, a campus mental health organization, and the owner of KamCreatedIt, a photography and videography business. Kameron is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he served as Polemarch. He is now serving in his third year on the Royal Court and holds the prestigious title of the Phenom King and the 14th Mister Johnson C Smith University. Kameron hopes to inspire others to embrace their struggles and find their voice. His mantra, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress,” reflects his resilience throughout his journey.

Davon Noel Lilly Born in Jamaica Queens, New York on January 26, 2003, he is the proud son of Rhonda Hawkins, he is a Senior Human Services Major with plans to matriculate to Dallas TX upon graduation to teach k-6 grade. Growing up Davon found himself being apart anything related to arts. Dancing, and stepping is where he found his passion. In addition, he also found his passion for helping others from a young age. In high school it became evident that he wanted to attend an HBCU to get a degree in social work and education. Finding himself at Lincoln Davon found himself in an environment where he felt like he can truly flourish. Making impact as soon as he found himself here. Being Mentored by the 29,30,31,32 mister Lincolns he became Mister Freshman, chairs of multiple Senate committees, the senate recorder, King and Runway Director for Ziana Fashion Club Inc. , student advisor of the orange paw initiative, SGA vice president of external affairs and so much more. Today he stands strong by pushing his platform of educating lions on cultivating an environment where authenticity is embraced and celebrated through diversity and inclusion. As he looks towards the future he wants to leave a legacy as someone who accepted everyone regardless of any differences, loved people for their authentic selves, and gave support to all those in need.

Terrance Bernard McPherson Jr is the second born child of Tallahassee native, Terrance McPherson Sr., and St. Petersburg native Rena’ McPherson. He is the brother to Diante’ Monroe and Tyson McPherson. Terrance is a senior hailing from the capital of the Sunshine State, Tallahassee, Florida. He is an Elementary Education scholar student athlete that currently maintains a 3.58 Grade Point Average. He serves as one of the Defensive Captains for the Livingstone College Football Team, a Spring 24’ Initiate of the Punishin’ Punishin’ Lambda Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. , a member of the Livingstone College TRIO Program, a member of Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SCNAE), a Blue Bear Buddy Mentor, a HBCU Giveback Ambassador, and a member of the White House HBCU Scholar Recognition Program. While Terrance serves as the 20th Mister Livingstone College, he is assisting students with facing problems that we face on a daily basis as a Blue Bear Family. According to his family, he is loving, competitive, very goofy, and tries his hardest to achieve every task that is put in front of him and will continue to lead everywhere that he goes. A quote that keeps him going every day is said by his little brother Tyson. He says “Keep going brudda, Dorthy looking down smiling at everything you do. And I’m looking up to you. Keep making the family proud. 1Love!”