University crowns Miss & Mister SC State at 2025 Coronation
Olivia Ratliff and Bryce McIntosh also crowned members of their Royal Court during the Homecoming Week tradition.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – In a revered custom celebrating the spirit of South Carolina’s only public four-year HBCU, South Carolina State University on Wednesday crowned its newest Miss and Mister SC State.
Olivia Ratliff, a senior middle level education major from Rock Hill, South Carolina, was crowned as the 89th Miss South Carolina State University. Bryce McIntosh, a senior Speech Pathology and Audiology major from Lake City, South Carolina, was crowned as the 12th Mister South Carolina State University.
“This time-honored tradition allows us to celebrate your excellence, leadership, and spirit of students who represent the very best of our beloved university,” President Alexander Conyers said in a message to the new leaders. “This evening, we honor you for your commitment to service, scholarship, and the uplifting of your peers.
“You embody the strength of character and Bulldog pride that define our institution,” Conyers said. “As you carry forth this mantle of leadership, you remind us all that greatness is not only achieved through personal success, but also through service to others.”
Ratliff and McIntosh received their crowns from the previous Miss and Mister SC State, Bailey Scott and Troy Moore. The coronation in Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center also showcased members of the Royal Court, who were crowned by Ratliff and McIntosh:
- Blake Nichols and Jayda Turley, Mister and Miss Garnet and Blue.
- Semaj Lewis and Amanda Thomas, Mister and Miss Freshman.
- Habeniom Woldabyezgi and Alia Goode, Mister and Miss Sophomore.
- Trey Newton and Precious Jackson, Mister and Miss Junior.
- Tyler Holman and Sierra Curnell, Mister and Miss Senior.
- Jamarcus Elder and Jakari Jones, Mister and Miss 1896.
Prior to the crowning ceremonies, the event featured the “Parade of Royalty,” as the kings and queens of student organizations and residence halls were introduced to the audience. Several alumni who had served as Miss and Mister SC State also joined the parade, as did SC State’s newest Miss and Mister Homecoming, Kameron Cook and D’Andre Ameir Brown.
The emcees for the "Royal Revelry: A Night in the Bulldog Bayou" were Felicia Lawrence, an instructor and undergraduate program coordinator in SC State’s Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology, and Dr. Johnnie Felder, director of the university’s Concert Choir.
About Miss SC State Olivia Ratliff
She is a daughter of Pamela Shands Ratliff and Carl Ratliff, two dedicated educators who inspired her own passion for education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Olivia’s collegiate career has been marked by leadership, service, scholarship, and the arts. She previously served with distinction on the Royal Court as Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, and the Inaugural Miss 1896, where she worked to enhance campus life and uplift her peers.
Beyond the Royal Court, she is involved in the National Council of Negro Women and the Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She has been recognized for her academic excellence as a Presidential Gold Medallion recipient, member of the Emily E. Clyburn Honors College, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
In addition to her academic and leadership pursuits, Olivia is a devoted musician. As a member of the SC State Jazz Ensemble, she uses her musical gifts to inspire and uplift others.
Her platform, “Leading with Grace, Handling with a Purpose,” serves as the cornerstone of her reign. Through this initiative, Olivia seeks to inspire her peers to pursue leadership with humility, discipline, and compassion while excelling academically and professionally.
About Mister SC State Bryce McIntosh
He is a son of Celestine and Bernard McIntosh. His college career reflects both academic and athletic success, as he has excelled in the classroom, on the field, and through leadership in numerous organizations.
He has served with distinction in the HBCU Mister and Miss Ambassador Program, as American Sign Language King, as a Speech Pathology Ambassador, and as a member of such organizations as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and 101 Black Men.
Bryce’s platform, “Finish What You Started: The Journey to Completion,” highlights the reality that many students face academic, family, and financial burdens that may challenge their ability to complete their education. He encourages his peers to persevere through these struggles, reminding them that there is always something greater on the other side of commitment and determination.