Claflin royalty makes history again at CIAA
By: MADISON MAURICE
Mar 04, 2026
Miss Claflin University Madison Maurice and Mister Claflin University Joshua Williams.
Claflin University made history again in Baltimore at the recent Mister and Miss CIAA competition during the annual CIAA Conference.
Miss Claflin University Madison Maurice and Mister Claflin University Joshua Williams were crowned Miss and Mister CIAA, marking the third time in CIAA and Claflin history that both the Mister and Miss from the same institution took home the titles together.
In the annual competition, Maurice and Williams competed for the titles of Mister and Miss CIAA alongside representatives from 11 other CIAA schools. Throughout the week, they participated in community service and engaged in networking opportunities and other events that allowed them to connect with other kings and queens from CIAA institutions as well as CIAA partners.
The Mister and Miss CIAA competition recognizes student leaders across the conference who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement and professionalism. Contestants are evaluated based on GPA, service, public voting, and overall presentation.
They participate in various events and activities leading up to the crowning toward the end of CIAA weekend. With the title comes a $2,500 scholarship awarded to each first-place winner.
After their success, Maurice said the experience represents more than a title.
“Becoming Miss CIAA 2026 allows me to continue the rich legacy that has been built by queens before me and will allow me to be the representation I wanted to see growing up,” Maurice said.
Williams said the moment reflected the support from the Claflin community.
“All of the votes, kind words and support that we received throughout this period were overwhelming. We couldn’t have done this without our Panther family,” Williams said.
Claflin students celebrated the announcement during CIAA Fan Fest as the results were released. The achievement has caught the attention of several blogs and Instagram pages that celebrate the achievements of students at HBCUs.