ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) announces Vanessa Van Dyke—a 2025 Miss Florida USA candidate, entrepreneur, advocate and public speaker—to serve as the mistress of ceremonies for the ECSU Founders Day Gala. The highly anticipated event will take place Saturday, March 15, celebrating the university’s legacy of academic excellence, leadership and service.
A Spelman College alumna with a distinguished background in public speaking, pageantry and brand advocacy, Van Dyke has captivated audiences nationwide with her story of resilience and empowerment. Rising to national prominence at 14 years old after her natural hair was deemed unacceptable at school, she turned a moment of adversity into a lifelong platform for advocacy and has pushed self-acceptance and diversity in beauty standards. As the founder of Vanessa’s Essence Natural Haircare, she has been a leading voice in the push for the CROWN Act, even testifying before Congress in support of the legislation.
Currently, Van Dyke serves as the senior campaign manager at Social Status Solutions, where she leads marketing strategies for Fortune 500 companies. She is also a signed model and a two-time first runner-up in the Miss Georgia USA competition, now preparing to compete for the Miss Florida USA 2025 title. Her commitment to mentorship through the Girls CAN Mentoring program shows her passion for uplifting the next generation of young women.
“We welcome Vanessa Van Dyke as this year’s mistress of ceremonies for the ECSU Founders Day Gala,” said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. “Her remarkable journey of leadership and advocacy aligns perfectly with the spirit of our university. We know she will bring an inspiring presence to this year’s celebration.”
The ECSU Founders Day Gala is a signature event that honors the university’s past, present and future, bringing together alumni, students, faculty and supporters to celebrate its impact on education and the community.
For more information on the ECSU Founders Day Gala and to purchase tickets, visit ECSU’s Founders Day Gala page.
About Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education. A constituent member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU develops courageous, resilient, and empowered leaders through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers baccalaureate, professional, and master’s degrees across a wide variety of disciplines. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu.