Mr./Ms. Alumni Contest

We are thrilled to announce the kickoff of the 2025-2026 Mr./Ms. FSU Alumni Contest! 

Use the links available throughout this page to donate on behalf of the Alumni contestants. Don't forget to check out their biographies below to learn more about these amazing individuals!

Let's celebrate our outstanding alumni together!

Donate to the 2025-2026 FSU Mr./Ms. Alumni Contest

 

Shamica Dawes Headshot

Shamica Dawes

Class: 2009, 2017

 

Donate to Shamica Dawes

 

Darius Gillespie

Darius Gillespie

Class: 2011, 2019

 

Donate to Darius Gillespie

 

Phyllis Carter Goodman

Phyllis Carter Goodman

Class: 2017

 

Donate to Phyllis Carter Goodman

 

Cathy Waddell

Dr. Cathy Waddell

Class: 1976, 2003

 

Donate to Dr. Cathy Waddell

 

 

Contestants Biographies

Shamica Lee Dawes ‘09 ‘17

Current Residence: Nashville, N.C.

Favorite Quote: "Love the life you live. Live the life you love."

Local Alumni Chapter Affiliation: Edgecombe-Nash Alumni Chapter

Academic Preparation: Fayetteville State University -Bachelor of Science -Criminal Justice (2009) & Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (2017); Pembroke University -MBA (2023)

Current Employer/Position: City of Rocky Mount-Human Resource Technician; Entrepreneur; Co-Owner Unity Hair Salon II of Tarboro, and Owner of Little Angel's Spa Parties

Professional , Civic, Community Affiliations: Volunteer-Urban Community; Former Member of Cheerleading Team & Cross Country Team

Awards & Recognitions: FSU Excellence in Leadership-Cross Country

Hobbies or Interests: Traveling, Fishing, Gardening, Concerts and Athletic Events

Contestant Statement: I am inspired to serve and uplift others while representing the excellence of Fayetteville State University. I see this role as a chance to advocate for my university and foster unity and positive change. As an ambassador, I will engage with my peers, address their concerns & promote student success and well-being. As a first-generation college graduate, I am committed to preserving FSU's legacy & Bronco pride. FSU shaped my life & blessed me with lifelong friendships. I love my HBCU!

Darius B. Gillespie ‘11 ‘19

Current Residence: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Favorite Quote: “Do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do”

Local Alumni Chapter Affiliation: FSUNAA Member -At- Large

Academic Preparation: Bachelor of Arts in History (2011); Masters in School Administration (2019)

Current Employer/Position: Cumberland County Schools -Principal

Professional , Civic, Community Affiliations: North Carolina Association of Educators; National Alliance of Black School Educators

Awards & Recognitions: Phi Lambda Theta National Education Honor Society; Early Career Principal Academy Dedication Service Award; Cumberland County Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist 2023-24

Hobbies or Interests: Family, Fitness, Black History Fact, Nutrition

Contestant Statement: I am entering this contest because I believe I embody the legacy of
Fayetteville State University, rooted in its origins as Fayetteville Teachers College. As a Principal, I
strive to uphold the core principles of leadership, hard work, and dedication. FSU’s mission of
shaping skilled educators and student leaders mirrors my commitment to balancing student
leadership with reliability. I aim to inspire students through my example, showing that success
comes from hard work, dedication, and meaningful connections, fostering an environment where
every student can thrive.

Phyllis Carter Goodman ‘17

Current Residence: Clinton, N.C.

Favorite Quote: Life's most persistent and urgent question is,” What are you doing for others?" - MLK, Jr.

Local Alumni Chapter Affiliation: Sampson County Alumni Chapter (Chapter President)

Academic Preparation: Fayetteville State University -Bachelor of Science -Nursing (2017)

Current Employer/Position: UNC Johnston Health- Clinical Nurse II

Professional , Civic, Community Affiliations: Gamma Eta Eta Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® Founder, Charter Member, and Chapter President 2017-2024; First Vice President Southeast Region Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®; American Nurses Association; North Carolina Nurses Association; Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Nurses Society; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.®; Sampson County Chapter NAACP; Sampson County Multicultural Committee

Awards & Recognitions: Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®: Top Individual Fundraiser for March of Dimes 2021, 2022, 2023; Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®: Top Chapter Fundraiser for March of Dimes 2021,2022, 2023; Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®: Top Chapter Fundraiser for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023; Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®: STAR Chapter Service Award 2021, 2022, 2023; Carolina Nurse League Community Service Award 2023

Hobbies or Interests: Cooking, Graphic Design, NFL football, Community Service

Contestant Statement: I entered the Ms. FSU Alumni Pageant because I am deeply committed to supporting Fayetteville State University and its students. As a proud alumna and president of the recently reactivated Sampson County Alumni Chapter, I understand the power of alumni engagement in shaping the future of our institution. I plan to use this platform to strengthen alumni engagement, increase awareness of scholarship opportunities, and advocate for student success. I will work to reconnect alumni with the university, encouraging them to support current students through mentorship, networking, and financial contributions.

Dr. Cathy Boykin Waddell ’76 ‘03

Current Residence: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Favorite Quote: “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Local Alumni Chapter Affiliation: Cumberland County Alumni Chapter (Benevolence Chairman) Academic Preparation: Fayetteville State University- Bachelor of Science English Literature (1976) ; Masters School Administration ( 2003); North Carolina Central University - Master of Library Science (1998) ; Nova Southeastern University - Doctorate -Educational Leadership- (2015)

Current Employer/Position: Retired (High School Principal) Professional , Civic, Community Affiliations: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Fayetteville State University Foundation Board; Friendship Missionary Baptist Church- Choir, Auxiliary Chairman; Escobar Travel Group

Awards & Recognitions: Lorine McLeod Service Award 2025; FSUNAA Meritorious Service Award 2024; FSUNAA Ms. Alumni Contestant- 1st Runner-up 2021, FSUNAA Chancellor’s Club -Life Membership 2021; Fayetteville- Cumberland County Human Relations Commission-Burton Pate Service Awards 2013, 2014, 2016; Zeta Phi Beta Service Awards 2020, 2021 2023; Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter -Zeta of the Year Area IV 2023-24 ; Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter- Finer Womanhood Award 2019-2020; Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society; FMBC Servant Leader Award 2014;

Hobbies or Interests: Community Service, Shopping and Traveling

Contestant Statement: As a cancer survivor, I am thankful for the opportunity of life. I am running for Ms. Fayetteville State University Alumni, for it is an opportunity to actively support and promote the university mission and values. As an ambassador, I will contribute to these objectives by engaging fellow alumni, supporting current students, and enhancing the university’s reputation. Such positions often involve representing the university at various events, promoting school spirit, and encouraging alumni involvement, all of which are vital for the institution’s continued success. I will continue to excel in professionalism, academics, school involvement, and public service.