Alcorn State University officially launches its 2026 Homecoming celebration with the coronation of the 100th Miss Alcorn, Erin Nichols, and Mister Alcorn, Jerrell Ervin on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex. The centennial Miss Alcorn coronation marks a historic moment in the university’s traditions.

Jerrell Ervin, Mister Alcorn, and Erin Nichols, the 100th Miss Alcorn, pose in formal coronation attire in front of an ornate historic building with classical architecture. Ervin wears a tan double-breasted suit with a white dress shirt and pearl accessories. Nichols wears a champagne-colored strapless sequined gown with a gold spiked crown headpiece. Behind them is an elegant stone facade featuring arched doorways, decorative columns, and carved detailing characteristic of neoclassical architecture.

Jerrell Ervin, Mister Alcorn, and Erin Nichols, the 100th Miss Alcorn State University, during their coronation ceremony on October 4, 2026. The centennial coronation marks a historic moment in Alcorn State’s pageantry traditions.

The week-long celebration, themed “There’s No Place Like Home,” inspired by the movie “The Wiz,” runs through Oct. 10.

Homecoming week begins Sunday with a Worship Service at 10 a.m. in the Gold Room. Dr. Tiffany Lloyd, an alumnus and former Miss Alcorn, will be the guest minister.

Sunday’s festivities continue with A Taste of Oz Brunch in the Golden City at 11:30 a.m. and The Emerald Encore evening gala at 9 p.m. Monday launches the G.H.O.A.T. Kickoff, featuring the DTLR HBCU Tour featuring Nick Cannon with live performances, food trucks and fireworks on the Campus Green.

Throughout the week, campus departments will host Career Palooza with a Greek stroll-off, the NPHC Homecoming Step Show — Stepping in the Golden City, The Great Meltdown Water Day with games and foam pits, Club Café activities, and Game Night programming. The Alumni Panel and golf tournament anchor Friday morning, while the Alumni Day Party from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Alumni House will feature celebrity DJ Traci Steele.

DJ Traci Steele poses against a white background wearing a black double-breasted blazer with textured leather sleeves and a plunging neckline. She wears a rhinestone-studded choker and long black wavy hair with a deep side part. She holds a white clutch with "traci" written on it and looks directly at the camera.

DJ Traci Steele, featured entertainment for Alcorn State University’s 2026 Homecoming Alumni Day Party on Friday, October 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Alumni House.

The Friday evening Homecoming Concert on the Green and Pep Rally begins at 4 p.m., showcasing southern soul entertainment hosted by Game Ova Skip with performances by Ms. Jody, Willie Clayton and Bobby Rush. The SOD Marching Band, ASU Cheerleaders and National Alumni Association will participate, with the Fall Food Truck Festival spanning the campus green.

Collage of three performers featured at Alcorn State University's 2026 Homecoming Concert on Friday, October 9. Left image: Bobby Rush in a blue velvet blazer holding an acoustic guitar, smiling at the camera. Top right: Ms. Jody wearing a red dress and diamond pendant necklace with short blonde hair, smiling. Bottom right: Willie Clayton in a white shirt and black sunglasses, holding a vintage microphone and smiling.

Featured performers for Alcorn State University’s 2026 Homecoming Concert on the Green and Pep Rally on Friday, October 9, at 4 p.m.: Bobby Rush, Ms. Jody, and Willie Clayton, hosted by Game Ova Skip.

The week closes out on Saturday with the homecoming parade at 9 a.m. and the football game at 2 p.m., when the Braves face Arkansas Baptist University at Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium.

For a complete schedule with times and locations, visit www.alcorn.edu. Follow the celebration on social media using #ASUGHOAT26.
Alcorn State University 2026 Homecoming schedule flyer for October 4-10, 2026, themed "There's No Place Like Home" with hashtag #ASUGOAT26. The schedule is organized by day in a yellow-bordered box with purple text. Sunday, October 4 includes Worship Service, "A Taste of Oz' Brunch in the Golden City," the Coronation of the 100th Miss Alcorn and 6th Mister Alcorn, and The Emerald Encore. Monday, October 5 features the Homecoming G.H.O.A.T. Kickoff and DTLR HBCU Tour. Tuesday, October 6 lists Career Palooza and The Great Meltdown Water Day. Wednesday, October 7 includes Club Café and NPHC Homecoming Step Show. Thursday, October 8 lists Game Night, Golf Tournament, Alumni Panel, and Alumni Day Party. Friday, October 9 features the Homecoming Concert on the Green and Pep Rally. Saturday, October 10 includes the Homecoming Parade and Homecoming Football Game: Alcorn State versus Arkansas Baptist at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium at 2 p.m.