PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 30, 2024) – In a night filled with anticipation and excitement this spring semester, Chloe Tolbert and Alexander Kirk emerged as the newly crowned 2024-2025 Miss and Mister Prairie View A&M University. Tolbert, a rising senior from Dallas, became the 92nd Miss PVAMU, while Kirk, a rising senior from Pontiac, Michigan, became the 42nd Mister PVAMU.
The annual scholarship pageants at PVAMU celebrate not just beauty and charisma but also leadership, academic excellence and community involvement. Both Tolbert and Kirk embody these qualities, having demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies, extracurricular activities and their visions for the future of PVAMU.
As they step into their new roles, they share a common goal: to leave a lasting, positive impact on the University and its students.
Strengthening Community and Engagement
Tolbert kickstarted her collegiate journey with curiosity. She was drawn to the idea of attending an HBCU because of the incredible stories she heard about the transformative experiences and opportunities these schools offer.
“None of my family members had ever attended an HBCU, so I decided to create a legacy by choosing to attend the HBCU closest to my home,” Tolbert said. “This way, I could still be near my family while immersing myself in the rich culture and academic excellence of an HBCU.”
Tolbert envisions her role as Miss PVAMU as a catalyst for deeper connections and greater activism within the University community. She is passionate about creating a network that not only supports current students but also bridges the gap between alumni and the University. With a focus on empowerment and civic engagement, she is committed to cultivating a vibrant and united campus culture.
“I would like to strengthen ties within the community, foster a supportive sisterhood among Prairie View women, and advocate for social justice by actively encouraging our student body to exercise their civic duty to vote,” she said. “As I carry out this platform, I aim to reignite the Panther pride and motivation among students, ultimately boosting student engagement and excellence within our Panther community.”
Her dedication to student involvement and civic duty is evident from her involvement in initiatives like March to the Polls. Recently inducted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tolbert has previously held titles such as Miss Black and Gold 2023-2024, Miss Sophomore, and Miss Junior.
“Knowing Miss Prairie View A&M holds a significant role as one of the most inspiring and influential women on campus, I felt compelled to step into this position and fulfill the responsibilities that come with it,” Tolbert said. “I aim to leave behind a legacy that contributes positively to the campus community and embodies the values and spirit of Prairie View.”
To get to this point, Tolbert sacrificed a lot of sleep and social activities with her friends because of her pursuit of three of her goals all at once—making straight A’s, joining Alpha Kappa Alpha, and earning the title of Miss PVAMU.
Before diving into a medical career, Tolbert is considering summer 2024 internships at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a Johns Hopkins summer program.
“I plan to continue my education with nursing school, graduate with my bachelor’s in nursing, then further my education to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and open up my own practice,” she said.
From the Midwest to PVAMU
Like Tolbert, Kirk’s decision to attend PVAMU marked a significant personal sacrifice, leaving behind his familiar surroundings and family to move more than 1,300 miles to Prairie View, Texas.
“I will admit that some days are rough, as I’m very close with my parents because I’m an only child,” Kirk said. “However, to grow as a man and try to change my life, there’s not a day that I regret that decision.”
Kirk, a mechanical engineering major and active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has taken on numerous leadership roles, including serving as Director of National Programs for his fraternity’s chapter at PVAMU.
He also participates in the Campus Vote Project-Democracy Fellows Cohort, Student Government Association, Panther Advisor Leaders (PALs), and Michigan Club. Additionally, he served as Mister Freshman and Mister Sophomore.
“It was a culture shock coming from up north, and I’ve experienced so much in three years than I could’ve ever imagined,” Kirk said. “I love my HBCU!”
Kirk works hard inside and outside the classroom and with anything he puts his mind to. In 2023, he interned with Abbott Laboratories, one of the top medical diagnostic companies in the world. He was an operations intern in the cardiovascular division in Plymouth, Minnesota.
When he’s not working toward building his legacy, he likes to take it easy and recharge.
“In my free time, I love to listen to music and watch movies,” said Kirk. “I love music because it’s a direct line to my emotions and helps to keep me not only happy but motivated. I love movies because I grew up watching movies all the time with my dad, and it’s something that’s passed down to me.”
As Mr. PVAMU, Kirk aims to promote professional and student leadership opportunities and enhance support for on-campus organizations.
“I want to foster more professional and student-leadership opportunities for the students on our campus and work with the Office of Student Engagement to bring attention to the smaller organizations on our campus,” he said. “I also want to get the on-campus organizations on one accord when it comes to support, spotlight and events, and I want to work with all-male organizations on campus to prioritize male mentorship. Through different events and my own initiative that will be revealed soon, I plan to use male mentoring to empower undergraduate male engagement.”
Tolbert and Kirk were crowned on April 17, 2024, following the reigns of Nia McNeal (Miss PVAMU 2023-2024) and Hunter Waldon (Mr. PVAMU 2023-2024). Both are eager to leave lasting legacies at PVAMU, embodying the values and spirit of their beloved university.
By Alex Byrd
-PVAMU-
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