WS Chronicle

Staff Report 

Michaela Dunn, the 85th Miss Winston-Salem State University (2024-2025), has been named 2025 HBCU Queen of the Year.  

The announcement was made on social media earlier this week. The post @hbcumisterandmiss Instagram page reads, “From the moment she stepped on campus, Michaela embodied WSSU’s motto: “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.”  

“She has led with intention – organizing campus-wide service initiations, championing student wellness and voter engagement, and launching her STARS platform focused on financial literacy, mental and physical wellness, social networking and career development.  

“Though we were unable to host our annual HBCU Leadership & Impact Awards this year, Michaela Dunn’s legacy could not go unrecognized. She is the embodiment of what it means to be an HBCU Queen – and for that, she is our 2025 Queen of the Year.”  

Dunn is a graduating senior majoring in elementary education and a minor in psychology with a concentration in urban studies. In addition to her role as Miss Winston-Salem State University, Dunn is also a member of the Campus Activities Board, president of the N.C. Student Association of Educators, a resident advisor, and founder of several transformative programs on campus. She also holds a 3.9 GPA and has been recognized as a Thurgood Marshall Scholar, Freedom School Servant Leader, and she works as a student teacher at Cook Literacy Model School.