DSU Board Trustee Tetra Shockley vies for Miss USA

Delaware State University Trustee Tetra Shockley, Esq., will proudly represent the State of Delaware and the Hornet Nation as she competes in the Oct. 24 Miss USA 2025 Pageant. In addition to representing the State and Hornet Nation, she is also representing the entire community of Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country.

Shockley, an attorney, minister, community leader, and DSU alumna, made history earlier this year as the first married woman and mother to be crowned Miss Delaware USA. She is also the only HBCU graduate competing in this year’s Miss USA pageant, proudly representing Delaware State University on the national stage.

As the only HBCU representative in this year’s competition, Shockley carries the legacy of more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country—institutions that have played a critical role in advancing equity, leadership, and access to higher education for African Americans. Her participation showcases the excellence, resilience, and global influence of HBCU graduates who continue to lead in every sector of society.

With grace and faith guiding her journey, Shockley views this opportunity as more than a pageant title—it’s a purpose-driven platform.

“Competing for Miss USA is more than a dream—it’s a divine assignment,” Shockley said. “It represents the culmination of faith, perseverance, and purpose. For me, this journey is about showing that with God, delay doesn’t mean denial. As a wife, mother, attorney, and minister, stepping onto the Miss USA stage is a testament that no season of life disqualifies you from destiny.”

Shockley’s state costume for the pageant will be inspired by the DSU Hornet, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and unity of the Hornet community. This marks the first time in Miss USA history that the DSU Hornet will be showcased on the national stage, celebrating the legacy and pride of one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“The Hornet represents perseverance, pride, and the power to rise again,” Shockley shared. “My connection to DSU is deeply personal—I once failed out of the University, but I refused to let that be the end of my story. I returned, earned my degree, and now have the honor of serving as a Trustee. Just like the Hornet, I embody determination and purpose.”

As a proud DSU alumna and current member of the Delaware State University Board of Trustees, Shockley’s story of resilience and redemption reflects the University’s mission to transform lives through access, opportunity, and excellence.

“Tetra Shockley represents everything our grand institution stands for—a warrior spirit whose trials built a steely endurance and determination and now stands as a clear testament to the power of faith to encourage and inspire others, regardless of their circumstances,” said Tony Allen, Ph.D., President of Delaware State University. “She embodies our motto, ‘May all who enter, enter to learn and go forth to serve.’ We could not be more proud.”

Beyond the courtroom and the pageant stage, Shockley is the founder of You Are the Crown, a nonprofit organization that empowers women and girls to discover their identity, purpose, and platform for impact. She and her husband, Jerome Shockley, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of two children, Tierra (18) and Jaden (14).

Delaware State University invites the Hornet community, alumni, and supporters across the nation to tune in and cheer for Trustee Shockley as she competes at Miss USA 2025.

How to Watch:
The 2025 Miss USA Pageant will be broadcast live from the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM EST on the Queen Beauty Network.

Event Schedule Highlights:
• October 20: National Costume Show
• October 22: Preliminary Show
• October 23: Interview Competition
• October 24: Miss USA Pageant Finals

Follow and Support:
Facebook: Tetra S. Shockley | Miss Delaware USA
Instagram: @tetrashaylice | @missdeusa
Official Hashtags: #CrownTheHornet | #HBCUElegance | #YouAreTheCrown