Howard University student crowned Miss USA - noteworthy news - Shauntay Hinton - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, March 28, 2002

GARY, IND.

Howard University broadcast communications major Shauntay Hinton, 23, was crowned Miss USA earlier this month.

The Starkville, Miss., native's knees buckled when she was declared the winner at the pageant held in Gary, Ind.

"It took all of my strength to lift myself back up," she says. "It's just surreal. I've been dreaming of this ever since I was a little girl."

Afterward, she said she hopes to use her position to promote volunteerism, fight homelessness and speak out for breast cancer awareness.

"The Howard University community is extremely proud of Ms. Hinton's accomplishment," says Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert.

Hinton will go on to compete against more than 80 international contestants in the Miss Universe competition in May in Puerto Rico.

Hinton, who is minoring in business administration, works as a customer service representative for a regional bank. She volunteers at Miriam's Kitchen, feeding breakfast to the homeless. She also has volunteered at the Fannie Mae "Help the Homeless Walkathon."

The new Miss USA has an ambitious long-term career plan.

"My 10-year plan includes becoming a news anchorwoman for a major television network," she says. "Further, I plan to leverage my exposure as a media personality into my ultimate career goal: to become an entrepreneur. I plan to build a network of contacts and partners to help me brand and launch a chain of health and beauty day spas."

During the year of her reign as Miss USA, Hinton will live in a deluxe apartment in New York City and travel the world meeting with dignitaries and charitable organizations, and appearing at events held by official sponsors.