File Photo | The Daily Mississippian
Caroline Conerly is crowned as Miss University 2013 on February 25,2013.
Eleven contestants will compete for the title of Miss University 2014 Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Ford Center for Performing Arts. The competition is hosted by the Student Activities Association and The University of Mississippi’s Student Union.
“The pageant provides scholarship money for the winner and first and second alternate,” said Carly Eason, student director of pageants. “Additionally, the pageant provides an opportunity for Ole Miss students to showcase their talents, lifestyle and fitness and philanthropic platform.”
The winner will be crowned Miss University and will advance to the Miss Mississippi Pageant, held in Vicksburg in July 2014.
“The categories the competition features are evening gown, interview, on-stage question, lifestyle in swimwear, and talent,” said Bradley Baker, student union director. “The judges look for the most well-rounded contestant to represent Ole Miss as Miss University.”
Ole Miss supports the Miss University Pageant by providing it with a $2,000 scholarship and $2,000 stipend for the newly crowned Miss University.
Caroline Conerly, Miss University 2013, and Chelsea Rick, Miss Mississippi 2013, will host the pageant. Entertainment will feature students from Oxford Ballet School.
“I want to encourage the ladies competing to relax, but we all know that is easier said than done, right?” Conerly said. “But honestly the best advice given is to let go and let God. The judges want someone who is confident in who she is.”
The judges pay special attention to the amount of service that the winner of Miss University has done, according to Baker.
“The Miss America Organization places great emphasis on service, and the Miss University Pageant is no different,” Baker said. “Our Miss University spends a large amount of time giving back to the L-O-U community.”
Conerly has greatly appreciated the experiences she has had as a result of being crowned Miss University.
“This year, being Miss University has helped me grow and learn,” Conerly said. “I have even more love for this university than I did before. My time representing Ole Miss is one that I will never forget, and I hope the next Miss University cherishes every moment like I did.”
To compete for the title of Miss University, individuals must be between the ages of 17 and 24 and enrolled in 12 hours while also being in good standing with the university. They must raise a minimum of $100 for the Children’s Miracle Network.
“The name ‘Miss University’ is much more than a title someone wins,” Baker said. “It is a job that requires a special person to fills its shoes. Miss University has a very strong legacy that is respected throughout the state and nation.”
Tickets for the pageant are available at the UM Box Office in the Student Union for $10 with an Ole Miss student ID and $15 to the general public.
-Bridget Quinn
bequinn@go.olemiss.eduf
