Lincoln University's Jesse Canamore and Yessnia Austin Dixon Shine at the Inaugural Mister & Miss HBCU Competition

The 22nd Mister Lincoln University, Jesse Canamore, and the 100th Miss Lincoln University, Yessnia Austin Dixon.

Lincoln University is proud to announce that the 22nd Mister Lincoln University, Jesse Canamore, and the 100th Miss Lincoln University, Yessnia Austin Dixon, represented the University at the inaugural Mister & Miss HBCU Competition in Charlotte, North Carolina, January 21-26, 2025. The event, celebrating the excellence, culture and leadership of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), marked the crowning of the 21st Mister HBCU and the first-ever Miss HBCU.

Jesse Canamore, the 22^nd Mister Lincoln University, was crowned as the 2^nd Runner-Up at the 2025 Mister and Miss HBCU Competition. Left to right: Assistant Dean of Student Engagement Isaac Bivins Jr., 22^nd Mister Lincoln University Jesse Canamore and Student Engagement Theressa Ferguson.

Both Mister and Miss Lincoln University excelled during the competition, making it to the Top 5 in their respective categories. Lincoln University was the only school to have both its King and Queen place in the Top 5. Jesse Canamore, Mister Lincoln University, achieved the honor of 2nd Runner-Up and will serve on the Mister HBCU Court for 2025-2026.

“Campus Kings and Queens are a vital part of the HBCU community," said Dr. Tobias R. Morgan, Lincoln University chief of student affairs and dean of students. "We’re fortunate to have student leaders who not only hold these prestigious titles but also embody the true spirit of campus royalty through their dedication and hard work. We salute Mister & Miss Lincoln University of Missouri and the Royal Court Advisors, Mr. Issac Bivins, Jr. and Mrs. Theressa Ferguson, on a job well done.”

The 100th Miss Lincoln University, Yessnia Austin Dixon, and the 22nd Mister Lincoln University, Jesse Canamore, at the Homecoming 2024 Coronation, "Diamonds and Pearls ... A Moment in Time.”

The competition, which evaluates participants in Oratory and Talent, is a platform for students to develop as spokespersons, role models, and leaders within their campuses and communities. This year’s competition expanded its scope with the addition of the Miss HBCU category, marking a significant milestone in its history.

The Mister HBCU Kings’ Leadership Conference and Competition originated at Lincoln University in 2004, founded by Mrs. Benecia Spencer Williams, the University's former vice president for advancement. Since then, the event has grown in prominence, becoming a nonprofit organization in 2016 under the leadership of Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr. '93, who now serves as its president and CEO.

Yessnia Austin Dixon, the 100th Miss Lincoln University.

The mission of the competition is to enhance leadership skills among students at HBCUs by providing a platform to develop as spokespersons, role models and leaders within their campuses and communities. The newly added Miss HBCU competition is a milestone in the history of the event, offering a stage for women to showcase their leadership as well.

Jesse Canamore, the 22nd Mister Lincoln University. 

Several Lincoln University alumni are serving on the Mister and Miss HBCU Competition council, including:

• Dr. Jerome Offord '93, President and CEO
• Octoria B. Ridenhour '17, Endless Reign Conference Director
• Amanda S. Andrews '12 and '14, Competition Co-Director
• Jonathan M. Jackson, Chief Branding Officer
• Paul Leon, Chief of Staff

As official student representatives for Lincoln University, Canamore and Dixon have maintained high ethical standards while excelling as spokespersons, role models and recruiters for the University.

Lincoln University extends its congratulations to Jesse Canamore and Yessnia Austin Dixon for their outstanding achievements and looks forward to their continued success. We are proud of their leadership and the spirit they bring to the Blue Tiger community.

 The 100th Miss Lincoln University, Yessnia Austin Dixon, and the 22nd Mister Lincoln University, Jesse Canamore, at the Homecoming 2024 Coronation. 

For questions about the competition, contact Dr. Jerome Offord at jerome@misterhbcu.org.