On November 12, senior Winthrop student Janay Reece was announced Homecoming Queen at halftime of the men's basketball vs. Ferrum College game. The men's basketball team took home the win 66-47. Senior Winthrop social work major TyQuan Butler was announced Homecoming King.

Heavily involved and well-known on Winthrop's campus, Reece rightfully won the title.

Check out her Q/A below:

Janay Reece: My name is Janay Rochelle Reece. I was born in Baltimore, Maryland but I was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a senior at Winthrop University majoring in Mass Communication and have a minor in Political Science. I am the oldest of three. My father is a Marine and has served in the U.S. military for over 30 years. My parents both serve God and have instilled that into our family from before you were born. I call my mother my personal prayer warrior. I love spending time with my family, close friends, and God. I love to communicate and following the news.

SB: Tell me about your role at Winthrop including any leadership roles, recognition, and positions you hold as a student at WU.

JR: I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc., The Johnsonian (weekly newspaper) Asst. News editor, Multimedia editor, managing editor; WUABJ-Winthrop Assoc. for Black Journalists, member, Events & Planning Chair and Vice-President.

I was also a former Resident Assistant, Orientation leader, homecoming court co-chair (for 2 years), CSL-Council of Student Leaders programming chair/co-chair (2 years) and honored as Outstanding Junior at the Mass Communication dinner.

SB: Of all the roles (you mentioned above), what has been the most important that has shaped you into a better young woman?

JR: The organization that I have been part of that has made an impact on me was CSL and WUABJ. Each organization allowed me to meet new people, step out of my comfort zone, and work hard to help others though education. I have appreciated my field of study and leadership because of these two organizations. The people I have met and worked with have changed my life and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without CSL and WUABJ. Lastly, both of the organizations have helped nurture my decisions in regards to my career path which has led me to wonderful places.

SB: How does it feel to be this year's homecoming queen?

JR: This is a humbling experience to become this year’s Homecoming Queen. I was very insecure as a young lady in high and middle school, and being able to step outside of my comfort zone to do something for other than myself was humbling. I am still shocked that it happened all in the same weekend.

SB: What is one thing that you love about Winthrop and why did you choose WU?

JR: One thing I love about Winthrop is the love. It is the love from the professors, students, leadership, and staff have for one another. Everyone may not be best friends but they support you when you need them the most. I chose Winthrop because I had a feeling during my tour that this is the place I needed to be. This was the place I could make a difference. I saw that the Mass Communications Department was small and like a family which made my decision easer. I have been challenged and encouraged at Winthrop and that is why I love it here so much.

SB: What is your favorite spot on campus?

JR: My favorite spot on campus are the small editing rooms upstairs in Johnson Hall. I have been able to do some of my best work in those rooms, as well as, spend all night practicing what I have grown to love and that is reporting.

SB: When did you realize that you wanted to go into the field of study? Where did this passion come from?

JR: When I came to Winthrop I knew I was a communicator because in middle school I did the school news and from there I knew that is what I was meant to do. I felt like I was finally good at something. At Winthrop, I decided to explore different classes in the Mass Communication Department and saw that broadcasting helped me educate and communicate to people the way I knew how. I could learn about the world, politics, music, anything I wanted to while teaching and informing others. I could also tell a story using video and editing techniques. I saw that I could be opened to the world by learning how to communicate to the world.

SB: Who do you look up to within the professional career of which you are pursuing?

JR: I look up to reporter/anchor Leon Harris of ABC 7 WJLA in Washington DC. He has such a humble, warm, and happy personality that really help his storytelling stick out to readers. He always has good advice to give and he remembers where he came from and what it took to get to where he is today.

SB: Tell me of any internship that has helped to shape your rising career

JR: This summer I was blessed to be a part of The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) summer internship program in Washington DC. TFAS gave me the opportunity to travel, learn, and intern.

I was the production assistant intern to the editor and producer of the company. I did a lot of post-production work, website design, audio/video editing and graphics. I was also exposed to different ways to market RedEye and build the brand of the company using social media and revamping the website. I wrote a lot of blogs for the Learning Center, an online blog for the company, on things that I have learned in DC and while I was at Winthrop. It was fun using all of my talents and skills in a new place where I can also gain more.

I remember going to all of the professional and leadership developments at Winthrop and while I was in DC. I have learned so much from all the small group sessions and now I am able to teach others on how to build your brand, network, and professional presence. Starting off in students leadership at Winthrop and ending up in DC for the summer has helped me know how to better prepare myself to work with groups in the professional world or anywhere. It has given me a good foundation for my future.

SB: Who is your role model?

JR: My role model is not one person. It’s too hard to narrow it down to one. I have a lot of role models because the women and men I look up to all have the wisdom, career paths, skills, faith and heart I admire. I consider them all mentors because whether we talk often or not, I learn so much from them by observing and listening. To name a few of my role models are my aunts, my mom, my step-mother, my sister, Kim Jones, Leon Harris, Glen Proctor, Ethel Hedgman Lyle, Ken Lemon, Kate Brewster, Elijah, Kevin, Asia and my dad. The list can go on and on. It is a combination of people who inspire me.

SB: What is a fun interesting fact about you?

JR: My favorite food is Jamaican food. My parents were born in Jamaica and I am in love with my roots and heritage, especially the food.

SB: What advice would you give to the freshman class especially the young women entering the same career path as you?

JR: If you are already beating the odds, you are already doing the right thing. Continue to focus on your degree because it is YOURS. Do not settle for the bare minimum and keep your heels, head, and heart forward. Do not worry about anyone else, worry about your goals and what you want to accomplish.’

You are smarter, braver, beautiful/handsome thank you think and the ‘real’ world needs to brace itself for YOU.

SB: How would you tell these young women how to best prepare for college?

JR: Set goals. Every year I write a list of goals for myself to accomplish. Some happen and some don’t but I know at the end of my academic year that I have accomplished something. I began doing this when I was preparing to go to college and it really helped me know the direction I wanted to go.

I would also say do not be afraid to ask a question to your professors, peers, and future network. Those will be the people that will help you throughout your college journey.

SB: What are your long-term career goals?

JR: I hope to be working for a TV news station. I want to begin working off camera and behind the scenes as a producer so I can learn as much as I can about the inner workings of the network.My ultimate goal is to become and executive producer. If I end up on camera, that would be nice but I want to make my impact leading from the back.

SB: When you’re not busy with school and working what do you like to do for fun?

JR: I am a very simple person. I like to watch movies with my friends, sorors, and loved ones. Old movies, new movies, anything really as long as I get to be in their company.

SB: You have one more semester at Winthrop, tell us what you like about Winthrop, why did you choose this college?

JR: I love Winthrop because of the people. If it was not for the family I have created here, I would not be the person I am today. I chose this university because of academics but I gained so much more than an education, I have gained sisters and friends for life. I wouldn’t want it any other way.