{"id":70611,"date":"2025-12-04T05:02:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T05:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/70611\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T05:02:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T05:02:10","slug":"transfer-student-nailah-barnes-rises-as-campus-leader-at-famu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/70611\/","title":{"rendered":"Transfer Student Nailah Barnes Rises as Campus Leader at FAMU"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 In just three semesters at Florida A&M University (FAMU), transfer scholar\u00a0Nailah Barnes has risen from a new face on campus to a well-known leader. The third-year public
\n relations major is proving that success on the Highest of Seven Hills doesn\u2019t require
\n four years\u2014just drive, discipline, and persistence.<\/p>\n

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\"Nailah Nailah Barnes moments after being crowned PBM’s Miss 1989 (Photo credit: Khari Jackson\/
\n Ktvdidthat)<\/p>\n

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Barnes transferred to FAMU from Tennessee State University and quickly made her mark
\n through academics, campus involvement, and leadership roles. She currently serves
\n as\u00a0Miss 1989\u00a0for the Progressive Black Men, Inc. (PBM) Royal Court, is a proud\u00a0Spring 2025 member of the FAMU Elite Dance Squad, contributes to student media through\u00a0Journey Magazine\u00a0and\u00a090.5 FM WANM The Flava Station, and works as a\u00a0video operations intern\u00a0for FAMU Athletics.<\/p>\n

This summer, Barnes had the opportunity to intern in New Orleans at the\u00a0ESSENCE Festival of Culture\u00a0through\u00a0Creative Girl Connect, where she worked with\u00a0Cocoa Petals, a natural skincare company known for its rich body butters and oils.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach day, my responsibilities included driving sales, capturing content, and filming
\n customer testimonials,\u201d Barnes said. \u201cI only have two years at FAMU, so I told myself
\n from day one that I would give my all.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"NailahNailah Barnes beaming with excitement as she attended the Summer 2025 Esscence Festival.
\n (Photo Credit: Nailah Barnes)<\/p>\n

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Barnes said her determination comes from wanting to maximize her time as a transfer
\n student. Even during her 30-minute lunch breaks at ESSENCE, she used the time to network
\n and build relationships with some of her favorite companies. She understands the importance
\n of seizing every opportunity placed in front of her.<\/p>\n

Members of the PBM Royal Court shared their admiration for Barnes and praised the
\n standard she has set for future representatives.<\/p>\n

\u201cNailah walked into a tradition with a lot of history and expectations, and she carried
\n herself with poise because she embodies what it means to be a student leader at FAMU,\u201d
\n said Miss Black PBM\u00a0Kamayah Campbell.<\/p>\n

\u201cNailah is passionate about all people, but transfers have a special place in her
\n heart,\u201d added the current Miss PBM\u00a0Nikiyah Brown.<\/p>\n

Her impact extends beyond titles. Barnes\u2019 journey demonstrates that opportunity can
\n be found anywhere at FAMU\u2014something she hopes will encourage other transfer students
\n navigating a new environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want people to know that even if you come in later, you can still create your own
\n legacy,\u201d Barnes said.<\/p>\n

Second-year Doctor of Pharmacy candidate\u00a0Treyvious L. Copeland\u00a0said Barnes has impressed many with her ability to adapt to a new university, new
\n organizations, and new leadership responsibilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Miss 1989, she\u2019s made the title her own with grace and authenticity, setting a
\n powerful example for transfer students and showing that you can make a lasting impact
\n no matter where your journey starts,\u201d Copeland said.<\/p>\n

\"NailahNailah, wrapped in light and crowned in confidence as she dozes off into her bright
\n future! (Photo credit: Khari Jackson\/ Ktvdidthat)<\/p>\n

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While balancing academics and numerous leadership roles, Barnes remains focused on
\n making her short time at FAMU unforgettable.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy time at FAMU is short compared to some, but I’m determined to leave an everlasting
\n mark,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Barnes\u2019 story is a reminder that perseverance and passion can create leaders at any
\n stage of the college journey.<\/p>\n

For any Transfer students feeling like they need assistance, click here<\/a> to stay up to date and discover support services designed to help you succeed.<\/p>\n

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s worth it to know that I’m making an impact.”<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to experience how Nailah took flight and witness her Essence festival
\n intern opportunity. Click here for takeoff<\/a> to see what kind of opportunities awaits you on the highest of seven hills.<\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/p>\n

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Back to Stories<\/a>