Anative of Lake Charles, Brandi Barber-Stephens enrolled at ULM, previously known as NLU, as her first and only college choice. She earned a vocal music scholarship under the mentorship of late Louis Nabors Jr., Ph.D., and would go on to make history as the university’s first African American Miss ULM in 1997.

Barber-Stephens remembers the experience as “fun and glamorous.” She remains grateful for the friendships formed during the competition.

“I knew at least three candidates that I can recall, and we all had a good and supportive relationship,” she said.

The title left a lasting impact on every area of her life—professionally, academically and socially.

“Professionally, the title enhanced my resume, showcased my leadership skills, and strengthened my public speaking and time management abilities,” she said. “I encountered someone in a professional setting who remembered me from the 1997 Miss ULM and Miss Louisiana pageants. They said, ‘We were all rooting for you.’ Hearing this was incredibly humbling.”

Barber-Stephens represented ULM at the Miss Louisiana Pageant and frequently appeared at alumni and booster events alongside then-president Lawson Swearingen.

She credits her growth as a student and person to the supportive mentors she found at ULM, particularly the Vice President of Student Affairs, Valarie Fields.

“Fields immediately took me under her wing as Miss ULM and profoundly influenced me as a young African American college student by serving as a powerful role model,” Barber-Stephens said. “Her achievements even to this day inspire me to pursue my academic and professional goals confidently.”

Her advice to current students is to, “get involved on campus in something that pushes you to be better and do better. Attend a church with a strong young adult program that keeps you connected and in fellowship with God.”