Queens in the Making: Morgan Women Shine on the Pageant Stage

A Remarkable Year of Crowns and Confidence as Morgan State Students and Alumni Rise in the World of Pageantry

In a history-making season for Morgan State University, three dynamic Morgan women—two current students and one recent alumna—have taken center stage in beauty pageants across the country, capturing crowns, admiration and attention. Each possessing a bounty of undeniable pageant presence, they are the embodiment of poise, passion, and purpose. From the heart of Baltimore to the bright lights of New Jersey and the national stage, these Bears are redefining excellence through elegance and service, making Morgan proud one title at a time.

This unprecedented sweep of recognition marks the first time in University history that multiple Morgan students have simultaneously competed in and won titles across various levels of the pageant world—each championing a unique message of empowerment, leadership and community impact.

Ivy Harrington — Miss New Jersey USA 2025

A former Morgan State basketball standout and 2017 graduate, Ivy Harrington was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025 in April at the Hotel Parsippany. She will compete for the Miss USA title later this year in September. Originally from Neptune Township, New Jersey, Harrington’s path from the court to the crown began in 2021, evolving into a platform of mentorship and self-empowerment. Off the stage, she serves as a social media manager and leads MVP: Most Valuable Pivot, a program dedicated to mentoring young women in sports.

At Morgan, Harrington majored in broadcast journalism and dreamed of becoming an entertainment journalist for E! News. Harrington cited her Morgan experience as giving her the confidence to explore every part of her being—athlete, scholar, and now titleholder. Her journey is proof that representation and reinvention go hand in hand.

Gabrielle A. Carter — Miss Black United States 2024

Gabrielle Carter, a senior elementary education major from Owings Mills, Maryland, was crowned Miss Black United States 2024. A five-time Dean’s List honoree and global scholar who studied abroad in England, Carter exemplifies academic excellence and artistic entrepreneurship through her business, Carter’s Creations.

In addition to leading the Society of Future Educators at Morgan, Carter has served as Vice President of Fashion at Morgan, blending educational leadership with creative vision. For Carter, who graduated in May 2025, pageantry allowed her to advocate for young girls and encourage them to be fearless. Following her graduation, she looks to continue inspiring future educators and artists alike.

Elle Miles — Miss Baltimore 2025

A rising senior majoring in Musical Theatre and a proud member of the MSU Choir, Elle Miles holds the title of Miss Baltimore 2025 and will soon compete for the title of Miss Maryland. Representing the inaugural class of Morgan’s new B.F.A. program in Musical Theatre, Miles created SHIFT—a social media and self-esteem initiative promoting joy, authenticity, and resilience among young people.

Miles launched SHIFT to encourage people to take back their time and protect their joy. Her participation in the initiative blends artistry and activism, fueled by guidance from MSU faculty mentors and a belief in the power of positive change.

More Than Crowns

What these Morgan women share goes beyond pageant titles and twinkling tiaras; it’s pageantry with a purpose. They are mentors, performers, advocates, entrepreneurs and scholars who represent the very best of Morgan’s commitment to excellence and leadership. They stand at the intersection of tradition and trailblazing—where education meets empowerment, and service meets self-expression.

As Morgan continues to rise as a national leader in research, innovation and student success, these remarkable women show that greatness takes many forms—and sometimes, it wears a crown.