The Miss and Mister South Carolina State University for the 2026-27 academic year are ready to lead by example through a shared commitment to service, scholarship and success.
Jakari Jones, a senior history and political science/pre-law major from Columbia, South Carolina, and John W. Seay-Oliver, a senior agribusiness/agricultural business operations major from Atlanta, Georgia, said SC State has provided them with scholastic and networking opportunities that have equipped them not just as students, but as people.
About Miss SC State Jakari Jones
Jones, who will serve as the 90th Miss SC State, previously served as Miss Sophomore and Miss 1890, where her platform focused on the values of empowerment, mentorship, involvement, representation and excellence.
She said her role as Miss SC State is a continuation of what she has already started.
“It’s basically just giving back to my university, the students and the community, as well. With my platform, I wanted to reach out to the student body and be able to give back. When I campaigned, I did an initiative called Essentials of Excellence, where I gave back toiletry items to students,” the 21-year-old said.
She said having the title of Miss SC State has helped her become less shy.
“The most memorable thing I’ve done as a student was definitely stepping out of the box and being able to get into the role of student leadership.
“I was a very shy person coming into South Carolina State University. I didn’t really have as much support as I do now and a lot of friends. So I feel like I really had to get it out the mud and put myself out there to get what I wanted,” Jones said.
“That’s what you have to have to do with a lot of things. You really have to put yourself out there so people will know who you are,” she said.
She advises first-year students to network and join campus organizations.
“During my freshman year, if there was anything that I felt was beneficial to me, I went to the interest meeting and I joined, but don’t overwhelm yourself either,” Jones said.
Jones said her experience as Miss SC State has been an amazing one.
“It’s really shown me a lot of stuff that I can do as a person. Prior to being in this role, I never would have imagined myself being Miss SC State,” she said.
Both of her parents are SC State graduates, and she visited the campus several times before enrolling, but becoming Miss SC State took her a step further.
“It’s definitely brought me out of my shell, but I personally chose South Carolina State University because I wanted to go to a family-oriented university. South Carolina State is known for our huge tradition.
“So many Black athletes have come through here, many educators, lawyers. I just feel like South Carolina State is very fitting for me. It feels like home,” she said.
Jones said making other students feel comfortable and welcome is something the Royal Court does through its Royal Closet, where students are provided with professional clothing items.
“I know a lot of students come to school and they’re not equipped with everything that they need. So I really feel that us being able to give the clothes to students could be a really good thing for the university,” Jones said.
Her future plans include law school, which she said SC State provided a foundation for.
“My experience at South Carolina State University has been amazing. Being able to join different organizations has really benefited me and my experience. All of the wonderful people that I’ve met and the different connections that I’ve made on campus have really made a difference,” she said.
About Mr. SC State John W. Seay-Oliver
Seay-Oliver, who is also known by his nickname JSO, said his title as the 13th Mr. SC State has allowed him to broaden his ability to promote the university.
“It definitely humbles me. I’ve always wanted to share my experience and promote the school,” the 21-year-old said.
He campaigned on the platform JSO, or Just Serve Others.
“My platform is to serve the campus not just because I have a title, but because I genuinely want to help just the regular student every day. I want to help the faculty and staff, and I want to promote the university in a positive light,” he said.
It is something he does through social media, where he displays his Bulldog pride through videos on Instagram and YouTube.
“Everybody in Bulldog Nation knows the traditions and culture that we have, but if it isn’t broadcast, the rest of the world doesn’t know. It gives our culture and tradition the platform to be able to boost our morale on the campus,” he said.
His mother is an alumna of SC State and was a member of the Marching 101 Band, as well as the featured twirler on the Champagne dance team.
“I won’t say I chose SC State because of my mom, but it definitely made it feel like home. I had already been to a couple of homecomings, some spring games. So I kind of grew up on campus,” Seay-Oliver said.
He has made his own mark on campus as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and as an 1890 Ag Innovation & Research Scholar. He also played on the SC State basketball team during his freshman and sophomore years.
“I feel like I’ve lived almost every life you can as a college student. Almost every little boy’s dream is to grow up and play Division I basketball. We took a summer bonding trip to Puerto Rico and then later that season ended up winning the MEAC regular-season championship,” he said, noting that it was among the highlights of his collegiate career.
“College is what you make it. Are you going to go out, connect, network and build your skills for the future? The grades are good but use the classroom to further elevate your abilities outside of it,” Seay-Oliver said.
He and Jones are gearing up for an upcoming Bulldog Leadership Summit set for late September.
“It is hosted by the Royal Court. The summit will equip student leaders with the knowledge, relationships and resources needed to strengthen their organizations and enhance their student life at South Carolina State,” Seay-Oliver said.
He completed an internship this past summer in the Columbia office of SC State alumnus U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and will consider attending graduate school after graduating in May.
“I would not be opposed to coming back to South Carolina State for grad school, but I definitely have a focus in sports business and even entertainment and marketing. I definitely want to go down that career path. I’m also keeping my options open,” Seay-Oliver said.