SC State crowns Zenya Gantt, Richard Brooks as Miss and Mister Homecoming 2026
Student leaders recognized during Homecoming crowning ceremony at Kirkland W. Green Student Center
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University crowned Zenya Gantt as Miss Homecoming 2026 and Richard Antonio Brooks as Mister Homecoming 2026 during a ceremony Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Kirkland W. Green Student Center.
Gantt is a junior political science major concentrating in pre-law from Columbia, South Carolina. Brooks is a sophomore agricultural business major from Clemson, South Carolina.
Gantt received her crown from Dr. Tamara Jeffries, vice president for student affairs, and Grace Hembry, SC State's first Miss Homecoming. Jeffries also draped Brooks with his stole during the ceremony.
SC State President Alexander Conyers and First Lady Agatha Conyers were on hand to congratulate the newly crowned Homecoming royalty. Student leaders and SC State mascots Spike and Spirit also joined in the celebration.
Doris Johnson Felder, a member of SC State's Golden Class of 1976, presided over the ceremony. Felder is a reference specialist and instructor at SC State's Miller F. Whitaker Library.
The crowning was part of SC State's Homecoming 2026 celebration, recognizing two students who have demonstrated leadership, campus involvement and a commitment to personal and professional development.
Miss Homecoming 2026: Zenya Gantt
An advocate for civic engagement and youth leadership, Gantt serves as president of the South Carolina NAACP Youth and College Division. She also represents Region 5 on the NAACP National Youth Works Committee, where she chairs the Advocacy and Policy Committee.
Gantt has been actively involved in voter registration initiatives, grassroots organizing and efforts to encourage young people to participate in civic affairs. During the 2024 election cycle, she worked on Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
Her advocacy has focused on equitable representation, educational opportunities and issues affecting Black children and families. Through her involvement in statewide organizing efforts, she has worked to mobilize young people and encourage greater participation in decisions affecting their communities.
Following graduation from SC State, Gantt plans to attend law school and pursue elected office, with the goal of advocating for underserved communities.
Mister Homecoming 2026: Richard Brooks
He serves as social media chair of Kouture, a student organization through which he applies his interests in creative expression, strategic communication and digital engagement.
In that role, Brooks has developed skills in collaboration, communication and leadership while helping promote student engagement and organizational activities.
Brooks views his collegiate experience as an opportunity to develop the confidence, discipline and character necessary for future leadership. His approach to personal growth emphasizes integrity, ambition, service and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
He hopes to build a lasting legacy through his commitment to excellence, meaningful relationships and positive contributions to his community.
Celebrating Bulldog pride and tradition
The crowning of Miss and Mister Homecoming is among the traditions associated with SC State's annual Homecoming celebration, bringing students, alumni and supporters together in recognition of the university's history, spirit and community.
Gantt and Brooks will hold their titles during Homecoming 2026, which culminates Saturday, Oct. 24, with the Bulldogs' Homecoming football game at 1:30 p.m. Game tickets are required for anyone entering the campus on Saturday.
