Homecoming 2022: Meet the royalty

Augusta University is proud to announce its 2022 Homecoming royalty: Isaiah Maddox, king; Caroline Gibson, queen; Luke Anderson, duke; and Makayla Xiong, duchess.

King and Queen

Isaiah Maddox, Homecoming king, is a junior majoring in health, society and policy. He is from Covington, Georgia.

Maddox is an 1828 Ambassador, a mentor for the Multicultural Mentorship Program and a cadet in the ROTC.

“My favorite thing about Augusta University is the people. From the students to the faculty, everyone brings purpose to one another. It’s a great feeling to be in this type of environment every day,” he said.

During his reign, he would like to increase student involvement and awareness of campus events.

“The title of Homecoming king is a gift that I will forever be grateful for,” said Maddox.

“I’m able to represent the many students who wake up with determination and go to sleep with satisfaction. Students who work on their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Students who thrive for a future no matter the obstacle. The idea behind me representing these types of students is a blessing that I will always cherish.”

Caroline Gibson, Homecoming queen, is a junior kinesiology major from Gainesville, Georgia.

She’s involved in Alpha Delta Pi, serving as the organization’s vice president for Panhellenic Relations, team caption for Jaguar Miracle and director of new member experience. She is also involved in the Rotaract Club and Freedom Dance Club.

“During this upcoming year as queen, I would love to work to increase participation in student organizations and clubs. The reason I had the opportunity to run for queen was because of my Greek organization,” she said.

“I believe organizations and clubs allow students to find other students with the same interests. I would love to share my positive experiences while being in an organization and encourage students to find their perfect group.”

Her favorite thing about Augusta University is the opportunities she’s been afforded during her academic career.

“As a student pursuing a career in the health care field, I have been given an ample amount of possibilities to succeed. I have been taught by professors who not only want to see their students thrive but also want to prepare them for their future. Augusta University also gave me the chance to work in my desired field of interest to prepare me for graduate school.”

Duke and Duchess

Luke Anderson, Homecoming duke, is a sophomore pre-nursing major. He is from Powder Springs, Georgia.

Anderson serves as a resident assistant and as co-president of the Black Student Union. He ran for Homecoming Court to meet fellow students and to make more memories during his college experience.

“Being elected Homecoming duke gives me the opportunity to lead by example for other minority males looking to be leaders in their communities,” he said. “Also, this title will allow me to advocate for different organizations that I am a part of.”

One of his favorite things about Augusta University is working with the organizations he is part of, as they’ve allowed him to make “lifelong friendships.” He appreciates the campus’s leadership and academic support opportunities, crediting them for enhancing both the social and educational aspects of his college experience.

During his reign, Anderson hopes to promote more inclusive and diverse events and encourage more students to make use of on-campus resources like the Academic Success Center.

Makayla Xiong, Homecoming duchess, is a sophomore biology major from Rock Hill, South Carolina. She’s a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, an orientation leader, the president of Asian Students in Augusta and a member of the Pre-Dental Club.

“Getting to represent Augusta University as duchess is a dream and an opportunity I will forever be thankful for,” she said.

“This university has given me so much and has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my experiences here, it has allowed to me make great connections with different types of people and I am grateful that now I get to represent them all and give back to my university.”

Her favorite thing about Augusta University is how the campus holds its values to heart — one of which particularly resonates with her.

“Personally, inclusivity is one of my key values and AU represents exactly that. I am proud I get to attend a university that is inclusive to all communities, allowing an equal opportunity for everyone.”

Xiong thanks the Jaguar Production Crew and the Student Life and Engagement team for Homecoming Week — a week she will “remember for a lifetime.”