Augusta University crowns 2025 Homecoming royalty 

Augusta University enjoyed an action-packed Homecoming centered around the theme of “Forever Blue: No Stranger to Homecoming.” The week’s festivities culminated on Feb. 22 during halftime at the men’s basketball game against University of North Georgia when Leilani Watson and Suhayb Nijim were named Homecoming queen and king. 

The pair was crowned by last year’s Homecoming queen and king, Je’Bria Fullwood, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in health, society and policy, and Jaden Scott, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology, along with Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. 

The night before at the Homecoming Dance, Rebeccaarmani Thomas and Carlton Collins were named Homecoming duchess and duke. 

Homecoming royalty was elected by popular vote from the student body and will serve as ambassadors for the university at various functions for the next year. 

Meet the 2025 Homecoming queen and king 

Watson, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in business administration, was initially hesitant to join the court but found inspiration and motivation through encouragement from her sorority sisters in the Mesmerizing Mu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  

She felt a mixture of emotions upon being crowned queen, including shock, excitement and gratitude. 

“I want to set a positive example for my peers, especially the ones who have low confidence or motivation in pursuing things they want to do because I was there once,” said Watson. “I want them to know that you have to be your own biggest supporter first and that your goals are not too far out of your reach.” 

She is excited to use her platform to showcase Augusta University’s hidden treasures, as well as uplift others. 

Nijim, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in cell and molecular biology with a minor in business, also felt hesitation upon applying for king. He had been nominated to run by his fraternity, Delta Chi, and was nervous to step outside of his comfort zone. Now, Nijim is thankful for the experience as it allowed him to socialize and engage with students in new ways. 

“In just one week, I probably met more people than I had throughout my entire time at AU,” he said. “I made meaningful connections, embraced school spirit and interacted with students from diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, Homecoming was a journey of self-improvement that helped me grow, seize opportunities and prove that stepping out of my comfort zone leads to incredible experiences.” 

Nijim looks forward to connecting with more students and exploring different aspects of Augusta University. He finds the title to be more than just an achievement but a chance to enhance his own and others’ college experiences. 

Meet the 2025 Homecoming duchess and duke 

Thomas, a second-year undergraduate business administration major with a double minor in French and psychology, ran for Homecoming duchess seeking reassurance in her path here at Augusta University. When Thomas was announced as duchess, she was shocked and questioned if she heard correctly. 

“Running for Homecoming court was really me asking God if this is still the place for me,” said Thomas. “And as we can see, God is always present and answers right on time.” 

Thomas is excited to make new friends as she feels that the more people she knows, the more that AU feels like a second home. In her new role, she encourages students to always find the best in every situation. 

“I want to tell my peers that things only get better if you keep trying,” said Thomas. “It takes a million tries sometimes to get one good outcome, and that’s OK. It’s life.” 

While campaigning for duke, Collins, a second-year undergraduate biology major with a psychology minor, brainstormed ideas to relay his message and platform into different mediums to other students, from passing out tacos or roses to walking around in a wig. 

“I applied to become royalty to make the issues from the students heard,” said Collins. “I want to help with everything that goes around on the student side of things and be the bridge between the students and the faculty so we can work to improve campus life, dorm life, retention and enrollment.” 

As a member of the Culinary Council and the Student Advisory Board, he is unafraid to speak out and set an example. His goal is to set a standard that will be passed down to future candidates as a legacy that should be upheld for the sake of the students.