Post by greeky on Nov 12, 2013 18:41:01 GMT -5
New duo takes the throne
By Karlisha Hayes
news@dailyhelmsman.com
Published: Monday, November 11, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com/news/new-duo-takes-the-throne-1.3116863#.UoK7qpRUOFc
The University of Memphis crowned this year’s Mr. and Ms. U of M, Dixon Williams and Taylor Dodd, during halftime at Saturday’s homecoming game.
The University of Memphis’ success in defeating the University of Tennessee at Martin was not the only achievement on Saturday.
Taylor Dodd, 21-year-old accounting major senior, and Dixon Williams, 22-year-old marketing major senior, were named Ms. and Mr. University of Memphis during the homecoming game.
“I was very excited when my and Taylor Dodd’s names were read, but I was also humbled to know that I was representing such a great university that has taught me so much,” Williams said. “This place has grown me into the man I am today and given me more opportunities than I could imagine. I couldn’t be more excited to represent something I love so much.”
In order to qualify, the candidates had to submit an application online. After submitting the applications, the candidates were to write an essay and send it to the Student Government Association. After the essay, the candidates were then cut down to 10, the top five males and the top five females. From there, each candidate had an interview with the selection committee and was then chosen.
The election committee consisted of Lonnie Latham, dean of Multicultural Affairs; Joy Stout, director of Adult and Commuter Student Services; Justin Lawhead, assistant dean of Student Leadership; Aaron Robinson, resident advisor at Carpenter Complex; and Auramae Northcutt.
According to Williams, administrators like Betsy Loe, Justin Lawhead, Kate Howard, Steven Mizell, Destin Tucker and many others encouraged him and helped him grow in leadership.
Williams’ family within the University such as his Lambda Chi Alpha brothers, his Frosh Camp family and those that he worked with during Up ’til Dawn have also influenced him a great deal along the way.
Like Williams, Dodd has also been highly involved on campus along with maintaining a good grade point average.
Despite being the community service chair for African American Education of Tomorrow, Ms. Black and Gold for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and more, Dodd has no trouble balancing working two jobs, schoolwork and running for Ms. U of M.
“After working a great deal since freshman year, prioritizing and altogether carrying myself in the right way, I can do many projects at once pretty well,” Dodd said.
According to Dodd, what made her stand out against the other candidates for Ms. U of M was nothing more than the basis of the selection’s criteria which included academic standing, leadership skills and community service.
“I believe the selection committee senses my drive and willingness to help others,” Dodd said.
After being nominated Mr. U of M, Williams celebrated by going out to eat with his parents and later hanging out with friends that have been “A-1 since day one” to him.
“My celebration was really laid-back,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t have chosen any other way to celebrate than with my family and closest friends.”
Dodd’s celebration was similar to Williams’ along with added appreciation given to faculty and students.
“Along with going out with friends, I thanked those who played a big part in me being crowned Ms. U of M because I know I couldn’t have made it without them,” Dodd said.
Dodd and Williams can be a good example for those who have a lot on their plate but also want to be active on campus.
“To those who have dreams of becoming the future Mr. or Ms. U of M, take every opportunity you have at this great university and do it with all your heart,” Williams said. “Find what you love, your passion, and you are bound to succeed if you put your heart into all the things you care about at the U of M.”
By Karlisha Hayes
news@dailyhelmsman.com
Published: Monday, November 11, 2013
www.dailyhelmsman.com/news/new-duo-takes-the-throne-1.3116863#.UoK7qpRUOFc
The University of Memphis crowned this year’s Mr. and Ms. U of M, Dixon Williams and Taylor Dodd, during halftime at Saturday’s homecoming game.
The University of Memphis’ success in defeating the University of Tennessee at Martin was not the only achievement on Saturday.
Taylor Dodd, 21-year-old accounting major senior, and Dixon Williams, 22-year-old marketing major senior, were named Ms. and Mr. University of Memphis during the homecoming game.
“I was very excited when my and Taylor Dodd’s names were read, but I was also humbled to know that I was representing such a great university that has taught me so much,” Williams said. “This place has grown me into the man I am today and given me more opportunities than I could imagine. I couldn’t be more excited to represent something I love so much.”
In order to qualify, the candidates had to submit an application online. After submitting the applications, the candidates were to write an essay and send it to the Student Government Association. After the essay, the candidates were then cut down to 10, the top five males and the top five females. From there, each candidate had an interview with the selection committee and was then chosen.
The election committee consisted of Lonnie Latham, dean of Multicultural Affairs; Joy Stout, director of Adult and Commuter Student Services; Justin Lawhead, assistant dean of Student Leadership; Aaron Robinson, resident advisor at Carpenter Complex; and Auramae Northcutt.
According to Williams, administrators like Betsy Loe, Justin Lawhead, Kate Howard, Steven Mizell, Destin Tucker and many others encouraged him and helped him grow in leadership.
Williams’ family within the University such as his Lambda Chi Alpha brothers, his Frosh Camp family and those that he worked with during Up ’til Dawn have also influenced him a great deal along the way.
Like Williams, Dodd has also been highly involved on campus along with maintaining a good grade point average.
Despite being the community service chair for African American Education of Tomorrow, Ms. Black and Gold for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and more, Dodd has no trouble balancing working two jobs, schoolwork and running for Ms. U of M.
“After working a great deal since freshman year, prioritizing and altogether carrying myself in the right way, I can do many projects at once pretty well,” Dodd said.
According to Dodd, what made her stand out against the other candidates for Ms. U of M was nothing more than the basis of the selection’s criteria which included academic standing, leadership skills and community service.
“I believe the selection committee senses my drive and willingness to help others,” Dodd said.
After being nominated Mr. U of M, Williams celebrated by going out to eat with his parents and later hanging out with friends that have been “A-1 since day one” to him.
“My celebration was really laid-back,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t have chosen any other way to celebrate than with my family and closest friends.”
Dodd’s celebration was similar to Williams’ along with added appreciation given to faculty and students.
“Along with going out with friends, I thanked those who played a big part in me being crowned Ms. U of M because I know I couldn’t have made it without them,” Dodd said.
Dodd and Williams can be a good example for those who have a lot on their plate but also want to be active on campus.
“To those who have dreams of becoming the future Mr. or Ms. U of M, take every opportunity you have at this great university and do it with all your heart,” Williams said. “Find what you love, your passion, and you are bound to succeed if you put your heart into all the things you care about at the U of M.”
