As [Clark Atlanta University](http://www.cau.edu) celebrates its Royal Court at today’s [Royal Court Coronation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os7I4WKEdK4), the 38th Miss Clark Atlanta University, Selah Margarita Walton, and the 8th Mister Clark Atlanta University, Patrick Livers, begin a year of leadership and service to the Panther community. The occasion celebrates the students entrusted to represent the university and uphold its traditions. Both members of the Class of 2027, Walton, a political science major, and Livers, a business administration major concentrating in marketing, bring distinct perspectives with a common principle to their roles: meaningful leadership begins with understanding the people they serve. Through student advocacy and campus engagement, they aim to put that principle into practice while upholding CAU’s legacy of leadership and service. **A Legacy Carried Forward Through Service** For Walton, serving as Miss Clark Atlanta University means honoring the women who have shaped the title’s legacy, including her mother, while contributing to the institution that has helped shape her identity. “Serving as Miss CAU means carrying a legacy greater than myself,” Walton said. “It is an honor, a responsibility, and a commitment to serve my university with purpose, authenticity, and Panther Pride.” During her reign, Walton hopes to amplify student voices, preserve CAU’s culture, encourage civic engagement, and create spaces where students feel empowered to participate in university life. Through listening and advocacy, she aims to build genuine connections and ensure students recognize the value of their perspectives. “This crown is more than a title—it is a call to service,” Walton said. “As the 38th Miss Clark Atlanta University, I intend to lead with culture, authenticity, and unity.” Her vision reflects an understanding that representing CAU means embracing both the institution's history and the responsibility of shaping its future. **Leading Against All Odds** For Livers, the path to becoming Mister Clark Atlanta University began during his first year on campus when he discovered a sense of belonging that would shape his college experience. As a first-generation college student, Livers arrived at CAU without a clear roadmap for navigating higher education. At times, he questioned whether he could continue his academic journey. However, the support and opportunities he found at the university helped him develop the confidence and purpose that now inform his approach to leadership. “Clark Atlanta University became more than just a school. It became home,” Livers said. His experience inspired him to pursue the title and become the kind of leader he once needed: someone who encourages students to recognize their potential, even when they face uncertainty or obstacles. Through his platform, *Against All Odds*, Livers plans to encourage students to navigate challenges with confidence, prioritize their well-being, and embrace opportunities for growth. He also hopes to strengthen campus engagement, support student initiatives, and create opportunities for students to feel heard and valued. “I wanted to be the leader I once needed, someone who reminds students that no matter where they begin or what obstacles they face, they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined,” Livers said. As he begins his reign, Livers hopes his story will remind students that their circumstances do not determine their future and that perseverance, support, and a willingness to keep moving forward can open new possibilities. **A Royal Court Representing the Panther Community** Alongside Walton and Livers, the CAU Royal Court includes Derrick James, Mister Senior; Khadija Sene, Miss Senior; Stacy Bailey, Mister Junior; E’mani Johnson, Miss Junior; Trayvon Murry, Mister Sophomore; Madison Howze, Miss Sophomore; Kyan Smith, Mister Freshman; and Clarke Chenevert, Miss Freshman. Together, the court represents students across class years and contributes to the traditions and campus experiences that shape life at Clark Atlanta University. Members have the opportunity to engage with peers, support student initiatives, and represent the university with Panther Pride. The Royal Court Coronation celebrates the students entrusted with these roles and marks the start of their service to the university community. **Finding a Way Forward** As Walton and Livers begin their reigns, their messages to the CAU community reflect a shared belief in perseverance, purpose, and collective responsibility. Walton calls on Panthers to honor the generations who came before them while accepting responsibility for what comes next. “We are the legacy, and we are responsible for what comes next,” Walton said. “Let us honor those who came before us by serving boldly, loving deeply, and continuing to find a way or make one.” Livers offers a message of encouragement to students navigating their own college journeys. “To every Panther, remember that your beginning does not determine your ending,” Livers said. “No matter the obstacles you face, continue to believe in yourself, stay disciplined, and never stop pursuing your purpose.” Their words echo Clark Atlanta University’s enduring motto, “Culture for Service,” and underscore student leadership's responsibility: to honor the institution’s traditions while creating opportunities for [future generations of Panthers](https://www.cau.edu/alumni). As the Royal Court begins its year of service, Walton, Livers, and their fellow court members carry forward a legacy shaped by generations of students before them. Their reigns offer an opportunity to strengthen the Panther community, represent the university with integrity, and contribute to the experiences of those who will follow. ***Watch the live stream of the*** [***Royal Court Coronation***](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os7I4WKEdK4)***.*** ## For Media Inquiries For media inquiries please contact Clark Atlanta University at [404-703-2914](tel:404-703-2914)