At Northwestern State University, one of the highest honors that students can receive is the titles of Mr. and Miss NSU. Starting in 1956 and hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA), Mr. and Miss NSU is an annual competition in which students elect and vote for the two students they feel best represent the university.
This year, Chris James was named Mr. NSU in a quick vote, while a runoff crowned Nilah Pollard as Miss NSU.
Chris James is a senior communication major involved in many different aspects on campus, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., SGA and being a Freshman Connector.
James was often the first to arrive and the last to leave events because he cares about the NSU experience for everyone on campus and believes in love and hard work. “I go out of my way to show students that it doesn’t matter where they come from, they too can be a light and a face on campus,” James said. “A late start does not mean that you can’t do great things. Just tell yourself that you can do it. You can have a good college experience if you want it.”
James transferred to NSU from Bossier Parish Community College. After connecting with Yonna Pasch, he began working for the University Programming Council. James attributes a lot of his success to Pasch’s guidance. “I truly don’t know where I would be without her, and I appreciate her so much for being a bright light in my path,” James said.
James tries to be a positive energy on campus and help everyone feel seen. “I want to be a breath of fresh air and a smile on someone’s face,“ James said. “I always try to live for the people around me and I want to make sure that everyone is truly enjoying their experience.”
Nilah Pollard is a senior social work major involved in SGA, Baptist Collegiate Ministry and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority while also serving as a Freshmen Connector and a Demon Volunteer in Progress.
Pollard began her journey at NSU as a nursing major and switched her major after two years to social work, where she found her passion and calling. “The gifts of encouragement and service are ways that I lift my friends, sisters and those around me up,” Pollard said. “God is the center of my identity but it’s the people who he’s placed in my life that have truly made me the person I am.”
“I feel like I don’t deserve this honor, but I’m very grateful the student body chose me,” Pollard said. “It has honestly taught me the power of kindness, the power of love and the power of service.”
Pollard encouraged other students to take a chance on themselves. “When it comes down to college and to you making those decisions that impact your life, do it scared. Even if you might not make the team, keep trying and just take that shot,” Pollard said.
Chris James and Nilah Pollard were presented at the homecoming football game, when they became official representatives of NSU. They will continue to serve the community throughout the year as Mr. and Miss NSU, bringing their own values to positions rooted in tradition and reinventing their roles as campus leaders.
