Meet Mister and Miss Elizabeth City State University (2026-2027): Quaysan Miles and Temprance Robbs

HBCU Kings and Queens carry more than a title. They carry the culture, the history, and the pride of their entire campus every time they step onto the yard. That is why we at Watch The Yard are launching a new series dedicated to introducing you to the leaders wearing the crown this year, continuing with Elizabeth City State University.

Mister Elizabeth City State University Quaysan Miles is a senior Kinesiology major concentrating in Exercise Science from Camden, New Jersey, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., initiated in Spring 2026. Alongside him, Miss Elizabeth City State University Temprance Robbs is a senior Social Work major from Shelby, North Carolina, and a soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., initiated in Spring 2026. Together, Miles (@quaysan) and Robbs (@temprancer) represent Elizabeth City State’s Viking Nation with a shared commitment to service and pride.

Watch The Yard put out an open call to HBCU Kings and Queens across the country and we were able to interview Miles and Robbs about their reign. Read our interview with them:

What motivated you to run for King of your school? Tell us what you campaigned on and what you set out to accomplish once you were crowned.

Quaysan Miles: “I ran for Mister Elizabeth City State University because I am driven by service, connecting with the youth, and uplifting my university. I wanted to use my platform to make a meaningful impact on campus and in the community. My campaign centered around service, leadership, mentorship, and school pride. As Mister ECSU, I continue to create opportunities for students, connect with and inspire the youth, and represent my university with pride. My goal is to lead with purpose, serve others, and continue uplifting ECSU and the community around me.”

What do you love most about your school, and what would you want someone who has never set foot on your campus to understand about what makes it special?

Quaysan Miles: “What I love most about Elizabeth City State University is how much it feels like home and the pride that comes with being a Viking. There is something special about walking across the yard and seeing students proudly representing ECSU. Homecoming brings everyone together and showcases the traditions, energy, and spirit that make the university special. Some of my favorite moments are simply spending time in the Student Center or bowling alley with friends, creating memories that I know I’ll carry with me after graduation. Those everyday moments, along with our traditions and school spirit, are what make ECSU feel like a family. I want someone who has never stepped foot on campus to understand that ECSU is more than a university, it’s home, it’s family, and it’s a place where Viking pride stays with you long after you leave.”

How has your school molded you into the person you are today? Take us to a specific moment, person, or experience on your campus that changed you.

Temprance Robbs: “Elizabeth City State University has molded me into the person I am today by teaching me to believe in myself, even when I could not see my own potential. One person who played a major role in that growth was Dr. Stevenson, one of my Social Work professors. He always pushed me to be the best version of myself, but one conversation with him changed my mindset completely. One day, my classmates and I were having a conversation, and I was expressing how much I doubted myself. I was constantly questioning whether I was good enough, capable enough, or truly meant to accomplish the things I wanted. Dr. Stevenson looked at me and said, ‘You’re Temprance. What can’t you do?’ It was such a simple question, but it stopped me in my tracks. In that moment, I realized that I had been spending so much time focusing on what I thought I could not do that I was overlooking everything I was already capable of. Dr. Stevenson became the belief I needed when I was struggling to believe in myself. From that moment forward, I began challenging the way I talked to myself and the limits I placed on my own potential. ECSU has given me professors, experiences, and opportunities that have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow into a more confident woman. Today, I still carry Dr. Stevenson’s question with me: ‘What can’t you do?’ And honestly, I no longer look at that question as a challenge, I look at it as a reminder that I am capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for.”

What does it mean to you to hold this title at an HBCU specifically, and what do you hope students take away from your reign long after you graduate?

Temprance Robbs: “Holding this title at an HBCU is something I am extremely grateful for because the crown represents so much more than a title, it represents representation, possibility, and responsibility. Coming from a small town like Shelby, North Carolina, I did not always have people around me who looked like me or came from where I came from who showed me all the things I could become. Growing up, I often felt like the paths available to you were limited, to go to college through a sport, work in a factory, or work in fast food. I knew I wanted more for myself, and I want the students and young people back home to know that they can want more too. Being the 92nd Miss ECSU gives me the opportunity to show students that your circumstances, your background, or how much money you have do not determine how far you can go. At an HBCU, the crown represents excellence, culture, history, and the power of seeing someone who looks like you succeed. I want every student I encounter to feel seen, welcomed, and valued. That is why I make it a priority to speak to everyone on campus and make people feel at home, because ECSU is their home too. Sometimes, something as simple as kindness can make a lasting difference. Long after I graduate, I want my reign to be remembered not only by the crown I wore, but by the people I encouraged, the students I made feel like they belonged, and the young people I inspired to believe that there is more waiting for them. I want my legacy to be a reminder that you do not have to come from much to become much, and that sometimes, all someone needs is to see one person believe in them before they learn to believe in themselves.”

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Quaysan Miles and Temprance Robbs for the way they are already leading with heart at Elizabeth City State University. Here’s to a reign built on service, resilience, and pride in the Viking. Congratulations, Mister and Miss Elizabeth City State University. We wish you a successful and impactful reign.

(Photo Credit: Ivee.shots)