Meet Mister and Miss Norfolk State University (2026-2027): Dalon Tolson and Samiyah Hudgins

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 Norfolk State University.

Mister Norfolk State University Dalon Tolson is a senior Finance major from Washington, D.C. Miss Norfolk State University Samiyah Hudgins is a senior Health Service Management major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., initiated in Spring 2025. Together, Tolson (@dalontolson_) and Hudgins (@samiyah.ayana) represent Norfolk State’s Spartan Nation with a shared commitment to representation and community.

Watch The Yard put out an open call to HBCU Kings and Queens across the country and we were able to interview Tolson and Hudgins 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.

Dalon Tolson: “Coming into Norfolk State University I was one of many. In grade school I was always fairly popular and known, but coming here felt like a fresh start and I had to figure out how to make my way, but on a larger scale (university). With that though, it did not work out how I wanted it. I ran for Mister Freshman, and lost. Tried to get involved in other orgs and got denied time and time again. I think it hurt the most though when I seen the leaders on campus and while they looked great on paper, their character was terrible. I felt like the students deserved a leader who really cared, really represented, and really was a good person even when the lights were off. That’s why during my freshman year I made it my goal to become Mister Norfolk State University running on the platform of D.O.O.M., Destined to Overcome, Overachieve, and Manifest, because together, with true leaders, we as students can manifest the future we deserve. Once I was crowned my biggest goal was to make all students feel seen and included, no matter who they were. I remember when I was just a student on campus I looked up to the student leaders so much, sometimes I just wanted them to say ‘hi’. So I made sure, if anything, that in this position I would be a leader who was personable and students could count on.”

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?

Dalon Tolson: “One thing I love about Norfolk State University is Not Your Typical Homecoming. This is the most exciting, entertaining, and phenomenal event that happens each year at Norfolk State, and in all my four years here it has never been anything less than a 10/10. I remember my sophomore year they changed the time for the tailgate so that it would have to end at either 6 or 7pm, compared to before it ended at like 9pm, and even then it was still a great time. Here’s what sets apart NYTHC from like a GHOE (North Carolina A&T) or BHOE (Delaware State): Everyone is so friendly and personable, and people actually have fun. I went to GHOE a year back, and it was a fashion show, but everyone was sitting around and being standoffish. At NYTHC, it’s literally like we’re all one big family. You’ll run into someone in the morning on Saturday and they end up being your friend for the entire day. Then you’ll end up running into even more people and they’ll become a part of the group for the day. Last year I walked the game with SGA as the Business Manager so we had to stay until an hour before the tailgate ended, and all my friends were gone in the mix so I went on my own. Walking on the way to the tailgate I found a guy I knew and his friend, and we hung out and had a ball the whole time. I never even seen my friends until hours after. Not Your Typical Homecoming is a 10/10.”

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.

Samiyah Hudgins: “Norfolk State University completely transformed me as a woman. When I first came to college, I was very shy and unsure of myself. As a freshman, I became a member of the Spartan Legion Marching Band as a Hot Ice Dancer. I never could have imagined how much this experience would shape the woman I am today. The Spartan Legion taught me many valuable life lessons, including discipline, perseverance, consistency, hard work, and, most importantly, community. Being a part of the band transformed me into someone who not only learned to love herself but also learned to deeply appreciate and love the community that surrounded her. I quickly learned the importance of community, both on campus and in life. The Spartan Legion showed me how powerful it can be when people work together toward a common goal. It taught me that hard work pays off and that remaining enthusiastic, even during difficult times, can help you push through the challenges you face. The shared experiences I had with so many people have impacted my college experience in ways I will carry with me forever. I am especially grateful for the incredible women I have met through the band. They have encouraged me, supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow throughout my college journey. A special thank you goes to my Hot Ice sisters and the Hot Ice alumni who have supported and encouraged me throughout my entire college experience. Your love and guidance have meant more to me than words can express. I would also like to give a special thank you to Ms. Eboni, the coordinator of Hot Ice. She has been an amazing example of what it means to be a graceful, strong, and confident woman. She has always been willing to correct me when I began to stray away from the woman I am truly meant to be. Her guidance has helped me become more intentional about the woman I want to grow into. Norfolk State University and the Spartan Legion gave me more than a college experience. They gave me a community, lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and lessons that will remain with me long after graduation. I am forever grateful for the woman I came to Norfolk State as and, even more so, for the woman I am leaving as.”

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?

Samiyah Hudgins: “Being Miss Norfolk State University means a lot to me. I know I’m not just representing myself, but also the women on this campus and the young girls who see me at games, around campus, and at community service events. I grew up around strong and positive women, and I know everyone didn’t have that same experience. Because of that, I want to use my platform to encourage other women and young girls, especially minority women who don’t always see themselves represented. I want them to know that someone who looks like them can be a queen too, confident, smart, graceful, and strong. I hope my reign shows people that they can really do anything they put their mind to. Becoming Miss Norfolk State University was once just a dream of mine, and through hard work, determination, and believing in myself, I made it happen. I want other students to know that their dreams are possible too.”

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Dalon Tolson and Samiyah Hudgins for the way they are already leading with heart at Norfolk State University. Here’s to a reign built on service, representation, and pride in the Spartan. Congratulations, Mister and Miss Norfolk State University. We wish you a successful and impactful reign.

(Photo Credit: @lemonaidproductions, @realchrisvisuals, 5ive6._flicxz, @_mikeshotit)