On March 30th, 2001 in Gulfport, Mississippi, Bridget and Prentiss Fells brought Bria Prenya Fells into the world. Before attending Alcorn State University (ASU), Fells attended West Elementary School, Gulfport Central Middle School and Gulfport High School. Growing up, she would visit Alcorn’s campus with her family because it gave her a sense of a family environment. “As soon as you touch Alcorn’s campus it grabs you by their arms and pulls you in lovingly,” stated Fells.
In high school, Fells was the Cheer Captain and before attending Alcorn she had plans of joining the Cheer team there. Although she didn’t make the team that didn’t detour her plans. “When I didn’t make the Cheer team, I wasn’t sad because I had an alternative plan and that was to become Miss Freshman,” Fells said. During the 2019-2020 academic year, she did just that and was crowned Miss Freshman. Winning this title was the start of a winning streak that would continue to grow. As Miss Freshman she had Miss Alcorn 2019-2020 Jakhia Gray as a mentor. “She taught me to be open-minded, friendly and she gave me a spark to imagine myself in her shoes,” stated Fells. To ingratiate herself with her constituents even farther she became a member of Girl’s Coalition, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (M.A.N.R.R.S.), and the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated.
During Fell’s Junior year, she continued her winning ways and was crowned Miss Delta Epsilon. Even though she had these different accolades she continued to give back to the community. When she ventures home to Gulfport, she volunteers at Feed My Sheep which is a faith-based program dedicated to providing nourishment for the homeless.
Fells was crowned the 96th Miss Alcorn State University during her Senior year. Her platform, while running for the position, was to make changes on campus and bring awareness to important causes. She expressed that when students complain about situations at ASU she wants to be the voice for the student body.
In August of this year, Fells lost her father before returning to Alcorn. She expressed how her mother goes above and beyond for her and her brother in this trying time. “My mother fought and worked hard to get where she is today and I saw throughout my childhood what a remarkable person she really is. She is my superhero and I know I can go to her for anything. She is my best friend,” stated Fells.
She is an Agricultural Business Management major and plans on becoming a Financial Analyst. After graduation, Fells wants people to remember her for who she was and what she stood for. She stated, “I want the students to know I am a strong and brave person who always tried to help people. My advice to them is they should never let anyone tell them they can’t win when they know they can.”
