Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
During Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 3, the University of West Alabama announced its 2026 Homecoming Queen, Bailey Davidson of Mount Vernon, Alabama, and Homecoming King, Mason Watts of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Davidson and Watts and the Homecoming Court were nominated and elected by the UWA student body.
The queen and king were announced and crowned on the field during halftime festivities at the UWA vs. Chowan game on Saturday. Mason Watts and Bailey Davidson were crowned by 2025 Homecoming Queen, Andrewnetta Adams, UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch and SGA President Ben Sailors.
The 2026 Homecoming court includes:
Bailey Davidson is a senior from Mount Vernon, Alabama, majoring in electrical engineering technology. She is a proud member of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, where she serves as Chapter President. She has dedicated three years to serving as a UWA student ambassador and is currently vice president of the Campus Activities Board. Throughout her time at UWA, she has consistently earned a place on the President’s List for her academic excellence.
Mason Watts is a senior from Vicksburg, Mississippi, majoring in interdisciplinary studies. He is a proud member of the Alpha Delta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he serves as chaplain. Since spring 2025, Mason has served as a UWA student ambassador and currently works as an offensive line student assistant for UWA football.
Elyse Dean is a senior from Reform, Alabama, majoring in mathematics. She currently serves as chapter president of Alpha Sigma Tau and has proudly served as majorette captain of the West Alabama Marching Band for the past three years. In recognition of her academic achievements, she was named the 2026 UWA Outstanding Student in the Department of Mathematics.
Jermorion Griffin is a senior from Mobile, Alabama, majoring in engineering technology. He is a spring 2026 initiate of the Pi Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. On the field, he wears #25 and plays outside linebacker for the Tigers. He was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List for academic excellence and is also a two-time Serendipity winner.
Austin Horne is a junior from Helena, Alabama, majoring in elementary education. During his time at UWA, he has served as president of the Fli Society and is a proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity. In addition to his involvement in student organizations, he currently serves as a resident assistant in Gilbert Hall, where he contributes to the UWA residential community.
Samuel Johnston is a senior from Buhl, Alabama, majoring in political science with a minor in history. He is an active member of Delta Chi Fraternity and has received multiple awards for his academic achievements, including the PAT Outstanding Student in American Survey Award. Throughout his time at UWA, he has consistently earned a place on the President’s List for academic excellence.
Deriana McCleon is a junior from Meridian, Mississippi, majoring in health science on the respiratory therapy track. She proudly serves as a second-year resident assistant and a second-year UWA student ambassador. Throughout her time at UWA, she has consistently earned recognition on both the Dean’s List and President’s List for her academic excellence.
Mekhel Miller is a senior from Linden, Alabama, majoring in physical education with a minor in sports management. He serves as dean of the Pi Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, SGA senior representative, and vice president of the UWA National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Through his leadership and involvement across campus, he continues to make a meaningful impact on the UWA community.
La’taviona Parke is a senior from West Palm Beach, Florida. She is majoring in cell and molecular biology. She is a member of the National Honor Society of Health Pre-Professionals and Biology Opportunities for Scholarships and Success (BOSS), and she serves as a resident assistant in Reed Hall. She also competed for the UWA softball team from 2024 to 2026, helping the team capture a Gulf South Conference Championship.
Savannah Sanford is a senior from Phenix City, Alabama, majoring in integrated marketing communications. She is a proud member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and serves as chief editor of the Sucarnochee Review, UWA’s student-published literary magazine. Her academic excellence and leadership have earned her membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Pi Eta, and Blue Key.