Iandria Joseph crowned new Miss Albany State University for 2015-16

ALBANY — Albany State University has a new queen. Miss Albany State University 2015-2016, Iandria Joseph, was crowned during a coronation ceremony Sunday at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.

The coronation of Miss Albany State University was the first event of the 2015 Homecoming Week.

The theme for this year’s coronation was “Royal Roses in Bloom at ASU.” Her platform, “The Royal Blues: Trouble Doesn’t Last Always,” focuses on depression awareness.

Former queen, Taylar Martin, returned to pass on her crown, scepter and robe to Joseph.

Joseph acknowledged wearing the crown brought additional responsibilities and added to her workload.

“Now I am also a recruiter and ambassador for my university in addition to being a scholar,” she said. “Over the next year I will meet new people, speak at more functions and have a wonderful opportunity to experience personal growth.”

When asked what it would take to make her feel like her reign a success, Joseph had a ready answer.

“If a couple of students come up to me later and say because of you I didn’t give up, I know I will have accomplished something during Miss Albany State,” she said.

While at ASU, Joseph has served as Miss Freshman 2012-2013, vice-president of the Pre-Alumni Association, vice-president of the sophomore class, and vice-president of Public Relations in the Student Government Association.

She has also been involved in numerous other organizations such as Students Advocating for Stronger Sisterhood and Paraprofessionals Promoting Peer-fection. Her involvement in her organizations has led her to receive many community service and scholarship awards such as the Pre-Alumni Association Outstanding Community Service Award, Career Services Community Service Award, and the Fields Community and Leadership Scholarship.

Joseph describes herself as a divergent, spontaneous, lovable, and driven individual. She believes that prayer, hard work and determination are necessary to accomplish any goal.

Her future aspirations include graduating from Albany State with honors with her bachelor’s in psychology. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s in educational leadership and a doctorate in educational psychology.