Izzy Smith

The 2024 University of North Alabama Homecoming Court has been chosen and consists of 10 candidates who are in the running for Homecoming Queen and King. The Elections and Recruitment Committee of the Student Government Association hosts the elections each year.
The 2024 Homecoming Queen candidates are Candice Buford, Ashkea Foster, Lillie Butler, Avery Dumas, and Christella Muwata.
Buford was nominated by Alpha Tau Omega. Burford is a senior majoring in information technology, with a double concentration in HCI/UX and software development and a minor in computer science. She is a member of the LaGrange Society, the Cole Honors College, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, BSA and Rho Lambda and Order of Omega Greek honors societies. Buford is also a SOAR Counselor, a Resident Advisor, the women’s basketball manager, an ITS Help Desk student assistant and is both the NPHC vice president and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority vice president.
“I’m a fun-loving girl who loves this amazing university and I am proud to have it as my home for almost 4 years,” Buford said. “I would love to have their vote for Homecoming Queen!”
Foster was nominated by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. She is a senior and is majoring in nursing. She is a member of NPHC, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Yes, You’re Worth It, SOAR and The Cole Honors College.
“I am so grateful that God directed me to attend this extraordinary university with so many benefits, friends and connections!” said Foster. “This University has shaped me to be who I am today! [I] love each and every one of you, and Roar Lions forever and ever!”
Butler was nominated by Zeta Tau Alpha. She is a senior majoring in elementary education. She is currently the president of Zeta Tau Alpha and is a COEHS ambassador.
“UNA has had such a positive impact on my life to grow me into the person I am today!” said Butler. “I have been blessed with so many opportunities to lead, serve and make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. UNA will always be my home away from home. Roar Lions!”
Dumas was nominated by Phi Mu. She is a senior and is majoring in clinical exercise science. During her time at UNA, she has participated in Cole Honors College, Phi Mu, the BCM, and LIFE College Ministry.
Mutawa was nominated by International Affairs. She is an international student from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is a junior majoring in business administration and professional management. She is a campus leader and a member of UNA International Affairs and The Navigators.
This year’s 2024 Homecoming King candidates are Nazar Fedoryshyn, Garrett Statom, Connel Cornelius, Will Driver, and Tate Pierce.
Fedoryshyn, from Ukraine, was nominated by International Affairs. Fedoryshyn is a junior majoring in professional management with a minor in sports management. He is a tennis player for UNA’s Men’s Tennis team, the SAAC “Everybody Matters” committee officer and a Game Operations worker.
“It is an honor to represent the International Office as their first-ever nominees, and also represent my country as much as possible,” said Fedoryshyn.
Statom was nominated by Phi Mu. He is a senior majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in political science. He is the Commander of the LaGrange Society and the Vice President of External Affairs for Lambda Sigma Phi. He is also a member of Beta Alpha Psi, Mock Trial, Student Government, Accounting Scholars and Life Group at UBC.
“It is definitely an honor getting to be on Homecoming again for the second time!” said Statom. “The connections and friendships I’ve made at UNA the past 4 years have been the highlight of my life, and I’m so honored to be a part of such an amazing court with people that represent our campus community so well!”
Cornelius was nominated by Alpha Tau Omega. He is a junior and is an instrumental performance major. He is a member of the UNA Marching Pride, Shoals Symphony Orchestra, the UNA Studio Jazz Band, the UNA Horn Studio, Alpha Tau Omega and is a SOAR Counselor.
Alpha Delta Phi nominated Driver. He is a senior majoring in sociology. He is the Spirit Activities Planner and a writer for FLOW magazine. He created the “RL” hand sign now used by many UNA students.
Pierce was nominated by Zeta Tau Alpha. Pierce is a junior, and he is majoring in accounting. He is the treasurer for Sigma Chi. He loves that he is able to attend UNA because it is so close to his home.
Voting was open from Monday, Oct. 7 through Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 5 P.M. Ballots were sent to each UNA student’s email individually. The Homecoming Court presentation will be on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:45 P.M. at Braly Stadium, when the Homecoming Queen and King will be crowned.