Miss Grambling Kelli Copes

Kelli Copes was crowned as the 69th Miss Grambling State University in a coronation ceremony held Thursday, September 16, 2022 in T.H. Harris Auditorium. The junior biology pre-med major said the event was a continuation of lifelong dreams that have always been focused around "The G."

"My parents both graduated from GSU and I never considered going anywhere else," Copes said. "My dad (Dr. Joe Copes) was a geography professor and Title III Director here until his retirement in 2007. And my mom [Carmen Copes] worked in IT before moving to Human Resources, where she works now. My sister graduated from here with the second-highest GPA in 2007. My uncle [also] works and graduated from here. It was always going to be the 'G' for me when I was growing up. I've never seen myself anywhere else. I knew Grambling would present me with the opportunities I needed, so I went with Grambling. There was never any question about going anywhere else."

Copes isn't the first member of her family to run for Miss GSU - her older sister also ran for the title. "She was unsuccessful, so it was a little bit more personal for me to make sure I brought it home," Copes said of earning the title. Copes said her platform to become Miss GSU consisted of three parts - "The Lady, The Leader, and The Legacy."

"The Legacy portion of my campaign has been geared toward what I've done since becoming a student at GSU and the fact I am a legacy from here," Copes said. "The Lady part is just about me continuing to serve the Grambling community with grace, as I've done since beginning my journey here at Grambling. Every Grambling student's journey is one they'll remember forever, and over the last three years, I've tried to be well-rounded and involved," Copes continued. "I've hosted voter registration drives and blood pressure checks, and I've hosted 'Buzz Talks' to help my fellow students. I plan on continuing and building on all of that as Miss Grambling State."

Copes said she hopes to help pull university administration and students together in her role as Miss GSU. "There seems to be a disconnect at times, and I'd like to help with that as well as increase student engagement," Copes said. "Since COVID, the level of student involvement at GSU has significantly dropped, so I'd like to boost those numbers back up. I'd like to start monthly 'Queen's Corner' sessions to keep students actively involved. I like it to be a video podcast - something fellow students will like watching."