Ashley Kelly, representing Phi Mu Sorority, and Jasmine Bradley, representing the Black Student Union, were honored as the 2025 homecoming royalty. NKU President Dr. Cady Short-Thompson placed sashes on them, posed for photos and congratulated them on their achievement.
NKU crowned its sophomore/junior homecoming royalty during halftime of the NKU men’s basketball game against Cleveland State on Wednesday night at Truist Arena.
“We have students who are heavily involved and doing great things,” said Coordinator of Student Engagement Hanson Ngyuen. “I am honored to organize homecoming royalty and share all that they have done while at NKU with the judges and our Norse nation.”
NKU invites all organizations to nominate a student they believe represents the university and its motto. The nominated students are then presented to the student body for a vote.
The vote narrows the group down to students who then participate in interviews and submit 3-5 minute video essays answering two questions: “How do you want to serve as a positive role model for others now and in the future” and “Why does your story make you a good representative of NKU?”
During the interviews, students were asked questions such as: “What makes you a good representation of NKU,” “Describe a time you have helped others on campus” and “What would winning royalty mean to you?”
The top 10 students were then notified that they advanced to the next round and would walk onto the court as the final homecoming royalty candidates.
On game night, the 10 finalists walked onto the court where the announcer stated who they were, the organization they represented, their other campus involvements and their field of studies.
“I’m just really grateful that I won and for the opportunity to show my love for NKU,” Kelly said, reflecting on the honor.
Bradley had a similar reaction.“I didn’t know that this title could help me advocate for more people, and I can’t wait to use it to help others,” she said. She plans to advocate for DEI programs on campus and be a voice for the people who benefit from these organizations.