Classes are over, but the day is not nearly finished. The natural darkness of the night sifts through the dusky lights of D.H. Hill Library. The roar of the coffee machine echoes while students grab their mochas before settling in for a long study session. The frowns on faces and the common gray sweatpants blend together as students climb the stairs to nestle into their favorite nook.

Then walks in Tabitha Ikpechukwu, junior in biological sciences, with an ear-to-ear smile, brightening up the dismal floor of the library.

A colorful, intricately designed scarf is wrapped around her hair as her fashionable khaki jacket accents her matching shoes. She strutted as if owning a runway — a skill learned while preparing for the Miss Black North Carolina competition.

She was recently named runner-up for the pageant and she is much more than a beauty queen.

“She is an excellent student,” Kay Sandberg, a lecturer of organic chemistry, said.

Sandberg said she remembers Ikpechukwu as a student who always listens, engages in her studies with enthusiasm and completes her work.

Last year, with a total of 300 students in Ikpechukwu’s organic chemistry class, Sandberg said Ikpechukwu is “one of those students you never forget.”

As the second oldest in a family of seven children, Ikpechukwu finds being a role model to her siblings a “big responsibility.”

In addition to her family, Ikpechukwu is involved in activities throughout organizations on campus.

An ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, she is a peer counselor on career issues for students.

“I have to have confidence in myself, so [the students] can succeed,” Ikpechukwu said.

She is also a resident adviser in North Hall, president of the campus-affiliated National Dental Association, a Caldwell Fellow and takes part in “Spoken Word,” performing personally written dramatic monologues at local scenes.

“I love everything I do,” Ikpechukwu said.

She said the activities she participates in are helping her get one step closer to her goal of becoming a doctor, including a recent trip to Ghana.

In Ghana, Ikpechukwu said she developed a dental health education program, which she taught to more than 600 students.

During her trip, her efforts were recognized. Ikpechukwu was honored with meeting the chief dental authority of the dental ministries of the Ghana government.

“I want to go back,” Ikpechukwu said. “I loved the challenge.”

The Caldwell Fellows program encourages service, professional behavior and broadening horizons through cultural experiences, according to Janice Odom, director of the Caldwell Fellows.

Ikpechukwu has been involved with Caldwell for three years.

Former Chancellor Caldwell’s words are commonly repeated with the Caldwell program — to “think big” and “do something bold,” Odom said.

Odom said she felt Ikpechukwu did just that for Caldwell and outside of the program as well.

“[Ikpechukwu] does just the kind of thing we like to see students do,” Odom said. “She’s dynamite.”

Ikpechukwu often mentors younger Caldwell Fellows to optimize their opportunities. Odom said she felt Ikpechukwu exemplifies the strengths of a leader for younger students to look up to as a role model.

Ikpechukwu explained that serving others is in her nature and feels she is very motivated to make a difference.

“I always make sure my hand is out for that other person to grab hold,” Ikpechukwu said.

Through the Miss Black North Carolina competition, Ikpechukwu said believes she served as a role model for all women on campus as well as the state.

The competition included a talent portion, evening wear, aerobic wear, casual wear, an interview and a question and answer session.

“There is so much training,” Ikpechukwu said. “There is a lot that goes into it that people don’t realize.”

Despite all of her hard work to prepare, she indicated that the key to her success in the competition was “being genuine” and being herself at all times.

“None of this would be possible without help from family, friends, professors, mentors and God,” Ikpechukwu said.

Ikpechukwu thanked everyone who helped her get where she is now.