Alexis Anderson
Staff Writer
Miss JSU Mea Ashley announced her JSU Queen’s Campaign to give back to the university at her coronation ceremony on Oct. 6.
Ashley is hoping to raise $10,000 by April 15, 2012. The funds will go to an endowed scholarship for students. The goal of the campaign is to enhance the education of students by providing financial assistance.
Ashley is the first Miss JSU to launch a Queen’s Campaign but hopes this scholarship will be around for future students and queens after she graduates.
“At JSU we’re in the business of challenging minds and changing lives. This is your chance to change a life by giving back.”
The Flash: What is the JSU Queen’s Campaign?
Ashley: It’s the establishment of scholarships for students. The goal is to raise $10,000 by April 15, 2012, and I decide the criteria. It’s designed to help students with financial need. The scholarship is to assist students throughout the year.
The Flash: What are the requirements for it?
Ashley: I haven’t decided yet; I might talk to the president and the staff. Hopefully, I will get a better feel on who I am going to give the money to. It might be based on which students need it more. I can make it art students, out-of-state students, it all depends. I am going to talk to get opinions from the president, class councils, and staff, on who should receive the scholarships.
The Flash: Whose idea was it to have the JSU Queen’s Campaign?
Ashley: Some of the officers suggested it to me, after I participated in the Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship Campaign. Their names are David C. Howard, Dominic Thigpen, and Tangelia Kelly. The officers are the ones who do the work behind the scenes. I am more like the face. My job is to spread the word around campus.
The Flash: What ideas do you have to raise the money ?
Ashley: I haven’t started raising money yet, but I do have some ideas. First, my class officers and I have a “Give Button” on 10.14.12.245/queenscampaign to donate money. Secondly, I will try to persuade the alumni to get involved. Thirdly, I will be writing letters to former Miss JSUs, telling them about the campaign. Also, I will be handing out flyers and banners about the campaign, as well as speaking about it at the games and SGA meetings.
The Flash: Who will be helping you with the campaign?
Ashley: I am planning to get class councils involved to help, anything that I do, it’s also their responsibility to get involved.
The Flash: When did you start planning for the JSU Queens Campaign?
Ashley: My class officers and I started the campaign the first week in September. We had to hurry, because we needed to get an outline done by October.
The Flash: What was the reason behind JSU Queens Campaign this year? / Why do you want to do it?
Ashley: Basically, students need help with financial assistance. A lot of students at JSU are here by chance; a lot of students come, but end up leaving because of insufficient funds. Another reason is that there are cutbacks on education in Mississippi and throughout the country. Mississippi is one of the states that is cutting back on financial aid, and raising tuition. We have to start supporting ourselves.
The Flash: How many students can apply for it?
Ashley: There is no set amount on how many can apply for the scholarship. But, there is a cap on how many students will get the scholarship. We have to split the money, so there can be a balance.
The Flash: How long can the students have the scholarship?
Ashley: Probably per semester.
The Flash: Do you want future queens to promote the campaign?
Ashley: I do care if the queens in the future continue to promote the scholarship. As Miss JSU, your main goal is to raise the bar. You have to help the students, no matter what your platform may be.
The Flash: What expectations do you have for JSU Queen’s Campaign?
Ashley: I expect to reach my goal by April 15, 2011 and to work hard for it. You have to promote and get the word out. I hope to continue to push at getting people to participate. I am going to continue working hard to meet my expectations.
The Flash: Do you think there are enough scholarships for students at JSU?
Ashley: I think there are enough scholarships for students, but the awareness of them by the students isn’t good. A lot of students don’t find out about the scholarships, until they find out they have to leave JSU. Students should get informed better on which scholarships are available for them.
The Flash: Why do you think its important for students to participate in this camapign?
Ashley: It’s important, because if we don’t support each other, then who will? You never know what you might need in the future, so when opportunities are available, students should take advantage of them.
