Mr. TSU claims national king title
Ashleigh Taylor
Assistant News Editor
Issue date: 3/23/09 Section: Campus News
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"I'm not just the face and the voice of one particular university anymore," explained Alderman, a senior electrical engineering major from St. Petersburg, Fla. "I represent Florida A&M, Howard, TSU and Morehouse College."
The 5th annual Kings Leadership Conference and Competition was held at Lincoln University Feb. 25 -Mar. 1. HBCU campus kings participated in various leadership and professional development workshops.
Ten kings participated in the battle for Mr. HBCU, competing in an array of categories including talent, poise and oratory.
"A lot of students came in busloads to support their kings," Alderman said. "It was a sight to behold!"
The intense competition challenged Alderman to rise above the others and shine brightly. He said he believes his biggest advantage came from his unusual talent--movie making.
He was able to re-create a miniature movie with the theme, "I AM KING," inspired by Sean P. Diddy Comb's cologne line and the James Bond era.
"You are competing against other kings," Alderman said. "It was a matter of separating yourself from the other great leaders."
The unique idea also won Alderman the title of Mr. Talent in the competition. Several students and faculty have expressed great enthusiasm for Alderman's winnings.
"I am extremely proud of Mr. TSU," said Ross Killebrew, a freshman engineering major from Memphis. "He represents the positive image of black men and he goes to my school. What could be better?"
The influence Alderman has travels across all classifications.
"He brought the title back home," said Jackie Hudson, a senior biology major from Clarksville, Tenn. "Finally some positive press."
Alderman has several plans and ideas set in motion to bring prestige to the Mr. HBCU title.
"I hope to build the credibility of Mr. Historically Black College and University," he explained. "My whole goal is to try to bring in corporate sponsors, build the credibility and get other people in general to understand the importance of having a black, collegiate male figure in such an important role."
TSU won the coveted crown during the competition's first year in 2005, when former Mr. TSU Antoine Suttle brought the title home.
Since then, TSU has not regained the crown until Alderman.With his goals and aspirations laid out, Alderman hopes to encourage more men to step up to the plate and become great leaders.
"This is not only important to me but for the TSU community," Alderman said.•
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