Venezuelan Native, Nursing Major Crowned 26th Miss CSU

Staff Report

Columbus State University junior Valeria Saer has been named the 26th Miss CSU and will represent the university at the Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant this summer.

Saer, a nursing major and first-generation college student, was crowned on Feb. 22. She plans to use her platform, “First Generation Forward: Changing Lives through Education,” to advocate for increased access to higher education for first-generation students.

A Journey from Venezuela to Columbus

Born in Venezuela, Saer moved to Miami at age 10 before settling in Columbus at 17. A 2023 graduate of Northside High School, she is enrolled in CSU’s Honors College and participates in the university’s Model United Nations program.

She also serves as vice president of CHISPA, the Columbus State University Hispanic Association, which supports Hispanic students and promotes cultural awareness on campus.

Saer’s pageant talent is flamenco dancing, an art form that reflects her Latin heritage. She described the performance as “very passionate and emotionally intense, so it translates well on stage.”

As Miss CSU, Saer receives a $1,500 tuition scholarship and a $500 bookstore scholarship. She also received the Katelyn Pawlowski Spirit of CSU Award, given to the contestant who best embodies the university’s values.

Advocating for First-Generation Students

Saer’s advocacy work focuses on demystifying higher education for first-generation college students and their families. Her initiative aims to improve awareness of college application processes, financial aid opportunities and success stories of first-generation students.

“Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I believe in its power to change lives,” Saer said. “‘First Generation Forward’ aims to inspire others to break generational cycles and embrace the transformative potential of learning.”

She has already begun outreach efforts, including visits to local schools such as Key Elementary School, where she read to students and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

The Miss CSU Scholarship Program

Miss CSU serves as an ambassador for the university, making public appearances and engaging with students, alumni and community leaders. The competition consists of a pre-event interview, an on-stage interview, a talent segment and an evening wear contest.

Outgoing Miss CSU Kennedy Larkin, an elementary education major, focused her tenure on domestic violence awareness. She launched the Peace Starts Here Foundation to support survivors and won the Miss Greater Columbus title in September 2024.

Since its inception in 1999, the Miss CSU program has helped young women develop leadership skills and engage with the community, according to Dr. Gina Sheeks, vice president of student affairs.

“Reigning Miss CSUs have honed their leadership skills and developed a greater sense of personal, professional and community awareness as they represent the student body and university,” Sheeks said.

As Miss CSU, Saer will compete for the Miss Georgia title, with the potential to advance to the Miss America pageant.

For more information about Miss CSU or to request an appearance, visit the Miss CSU website.