Due to Covid-19, Alcorn’s regular election process was postponed from traditional face-to-face voting and replaced with virtual voting. Two key positions that candidates were vying for were Miss Freshman and Freshman Class President. Voting for the potential Freshman candidates began on Thursday, September 24th, online from 9:00 am through 5:00 pm. Later that day at 7:00 pm on Alcorn’s Student Government Association’s (SGA) Instagram page it was announced via live that Ja’Dorra Bailey was elected Freshman Class President. Announcing who would become Miss Freshman was delayed due to a runoff. On Tuesday, September 29th, the runoff for Miss Freshman took place from 9:00 am through 5:00 pm and at 7:00 pm once again it was announced through social media that Rayven Jones was Miss Freshman 2020-2021.
Bailey, who is from Port Gibson, Mississippi, graduated from the Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven, Mississippi. While attending school at the Arts she received dance and mixed media training. She was involved in many extracurricular activities such as the Beta Club, the Black History Club and the Total Praise Gospel Choir.
Being as though Bailey is a third generation legacy student there was no question as to where she would attend college. She loved the environment and couldn’t see herself going anywhere else. “Alcorn felt like home to me and no other college could possibly replace it,” stated Bailey. She is a Biology Pre-Professional major and upon graduation from Alcorn she plans to attend medical school to become a trauma surgeon.
Bailey decided to run for Freshman Class President because she wanted to be the voice for her class. With Freshman experiencing issues and concerns she wanted to be the person to bring in the answers. She knows college may sometimes be a struggle but she believes that she can make all students feel welcome and comfortable. “I want to make sure our students feel physically and mentally safe here on ‘The Reservation’,” stated Bailey. Her plans as a student leader are to implement self care programs as well as produce more events on campus for students.
Jones, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, graduated from Murrah High School. While in high school she was a member of the high school orchestra where she played the violin.
When it came to choosing a college to attend Jones was intrigued by the rich history, environment and the phenomenal nursing program that Alcorn provided. She decided to attend Alcorn as a Biology Pre-Nursing major and plans to be an Intensive Care Unit(ICU) nurse after graduating. She hopes to one day open an Anesthesia Practice.
Jones decided to run for Miss Freshman because she wanted the Freshman class to have a leader who was dedicated and passionate about the students and the university. “I will stop at nothing to ensure that campus life is running smoothly and that there is order within the
Freshman class,” stated Jones. She plans on developing a transitional program that helps Freshman get connected with mentors.