The 75th Miss Texas Southern University to join the U.S. Army
Written by Amber Land on May 18, 2023
By Amber Land
Melody Robinson is no ordinary Radio, Television, and Film student. Crowned the 75th Miss Texas Southern University in 2022, she is determined to continue her commitment to service beyond graduation—this time as an officer in the United States Army.
Robinson joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps [ROTC] program during her sophomore year at TSU. As her reign comes to a close and she prepares for a future in the military, Robinson said she will always remember her time on the royal court.
“It was an honor to serve as the 75th Miss Texas Southern University,” Robinson said, “I really had a great time. I created great memories, and I’m so happy that I was able to serve as the queen of the university for this year.”
She shared some of her favorite memories while serving as Miss TSU that made a lasting impact.
“I had so many great moments,” Robinson said, “One of them was being able to take a trip to the state capitol to talk to elected officials about the things that are going on at Texas Southern University and really being able to advocate for the University.”
Robinson plans to continue advocating as an Army officer by pushing for more representation. According to public data, the Army makes up less than 20% of Black female officers. Robinson said her decision to join is a step closer to increasing that number.
She will be the first in her family to commission into the military and hopes to continue encouraging others through her journey.
“I just hope that I inspire others to want to join the ROTC, to learn about the benefits, scholarships, and everything the Army has to offer,” Robinson said, “Going to Texas Souther and being a part of the Army ROTC, it was very challenging, to say the least, but I really had a great experience.”
Robinson’s goal is to leave behind what she calls an unforgettable legacy.
“I’d like to be remembered as someone who always had an open-door policy and someone who always made everybody feel like somebody,” Robinson said.
On May 13th, Robinson did her final walk and wave across the graduation stage.
She commissions into the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant Quartermaster Officer on May 19 and will continue to serve as Miss TSU until June 1.
