Featured Image: Contestants compete in the group dance competition at Zeta Tau Alpha’s Big Man on Campus pageant in Watkins Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (Provided Photo / Zeta Tau Alpha)

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) hosted its annual Big Man on Campus (BMOC) pageant. The pageant serves as an integral part of their philanthropy week as a fundraiser for their breast cancer awareness program. 

ZTA emphasizes the fact that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but their motto is “until one in eight is none in eight”.

“BMOC is ZTA’s most visible philanthropy event. It is an all male pageant where contestants from different organizations compete for the title of Mr. Big Man on Campus,” stated Becca Hill, one of ZTA’s advisors. “Having multiple organizations represented allows ZTA to spread awareness for breast cancer across campus.”

The all-male aspect of the pageant helps reinforce the idea that breast cancer is more than just an issue for women and that everyone should advocate for awareness. However, the pageant allows for this very difficult conversation to be covered in a more lighthearted manner.

“BMOC started years ago to raise money for the cause of breast cancer education and awareness. Today, contestants use social media to advertise for the pageant. They compete for the most likes and comments on posts. Social media also helps to spread the word of the pageant,” said Hill. 

The contestants in the pageant were chosen by their respective organizations, such as fraternities and other groups around campus, and were coached by a member of ZTA for each category of the pageant. The categories included a talent show, a breast cancer self-exam and a formal questionnaire. 

The first section of the pageant was the talent show. Many of the contestants chose to do a dance routine while others painted, sung and hosted a wrestling match. This allowed the contestants to showcase their personalities while also being able to get crowd interaction.

“If I had to pick a favorite part of the competition, I love the talent portion. It is so fun to get to see how the guys interpret it and getting to watch the performances,” said Ella Self, a member of ZTA and second-year BMOC coach.

Next, the contestants demonstrated how to administer a breast cancer examination on themselves. It is recommended that this should be done once a month, along with having regular check-ups with one’s doctor.  

The final part of the pageant was the formal questionnaire, where each contestant would put on their best suit and tie, walk across the stage with their respective coaches and be questioned by the host. They would be judged on the quality of their answers. Many of the questions and answers pertained to ways to spread awareness for breast cancer and ways the contest impacts the campus. 

The night was capped off with Bryant Steele being awarded the title of Big Man on Campus 2026, placing first within the pageant, and Kolby Pratt being awarded Mr. Think Pink. 

“The best part of the pageant was the group dance and also getting to learn more about breast cancer. I did not know that you were able to give an at-home breast exam to yourself,” Pratt stated when asked about his experience throughout the pageant. 

ZTA prides itself on the work the organization does to help combat breast cancer, along with spreading information on the impact it has on people. At UT Martin, other programs such as “Think Pink” and various fundraisers are a few of the ways the organization helps bring the number of people affected closer to zero. 

If students are interested in learning more about breast cancer awareness, Hill recommends visiting organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute for screening guidelines and breast health information.