From Campus to Classroom: Stories That Shape Education
- Myla Hadley, former Tennessee State University student, was first runner up and elevated to Miss North Carolina USA.
- Brittany Boltinhouse relinquished the crown after an internal review of resurfaced social media posts; the Miss USA Organization cited unacceptable conduct.
- Hadley finished undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University after Tennessee State and will represent North Carolina at Miss USA.
Myla Hadley, a former HBCU student at Tennessee State University, has officially been crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2026 after the pageant organization announced that the previous titleholder stepped down following a review of past social media posts.
The move places another person who launched at an HBCU on a national stage as Hadley prepares to represent North Carolina at the Miss USA competition.
Tennessee State part of the spotlight
Hadley, who studied for her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at Tennessee State University from 2021-2023, was the first runner-up in the Miss North Carolina USA pageant before being elevated to the title.
She shared her gratitude shortly after the announcement.
“Thank you to everyone for all the support and love you’ve shown me throughout this entire process,” Hadley wrote on Instagram. “I understand the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries, and I can confidently say that both my team and I are ready to take this on.”
The former TSU Tiger acknowledged that the transition happened quickly but said she has been preparing for this opportunity for years.
“While this may seem like a two-week turnaround given the circumstances, I’ve been preparing to represent at Miss USA since I first competed with this organization. I am ready to represent North Carolina.”
Why the Miss North Carolina USA title changed hands
The title became vacant after Miss USA officials announced that Brittany Boltinhouse relinquished the Miss North Carolina USA crown following an internal review into resurfaced social media posts from several years ago.
Miss USA CEO Thom Brodeur said Boltinhouse’s conduct did not meet the organization’s expectations for titleholders.
“The Miss USA Organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity,” Brodeur said in a statement.
Brodeur said Boltinhouse accepted responsibility and agreed to step down while also urging the public to avoid celebrating her downfall, noting that accountability should not come at the expense of compassion.
Another HBCU connection in national headlines
For HBCU supporters, Hadley’s coronation is another reminder that Historically Black Colleges and Universities continue to shape leaders with students who study among their campuses.
According to her LinkedIn profile Hadley finished her undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University, just outside of Atlanta, after her two years at TSU.
A new chapter begins
While the circumstances surrounding the Miss North Carolina USA title change have generated headlines, the focus now shifts to Hadley and what comes next.
The former Tennessee State student will now represent North Carolina at Miss USA, showcasing the talent, leadership and excellence that was first forged at an HBCU.
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