(Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
More than two weeks ago, the Ole Miss student body elected MK Phillips to represent the school as homecoming queen.
Phillips, a senior integrated marketing communications major, will grace the football field this Saturday bearing a crown fit for royalty. Outside of the tiara and sparkling dress, Phillips is deeply involved in the university and Oxford communities.
Born and raised in Memphis, Phillips comes from an Ole Miss-oriented family. Her older brother attended Ole Miss as well as both of her parents. Phillips said she loves the way the University of Mississippi ties her family together, especially when they attend football games to watch her take the field as a cheerleader. She has cheered for both the football and basketball teams all four years while enrolled here.
(Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
Outside of cheering on our Rebels, Phillips spent this summer helping bring in the new class of 2020 with open arms as an orientation leader.
“It was such a fun summer. My favorite part of it was being able to welcome the new Rebels into the family. It was just a great experience,” she said.
Phillips is also involved in the Student Alumni Council. The alumni association sets up mentors for students to provide advice and guidance as they pursue their degrees. Her mentors and their personal experiences at Ole Miss inspired Phillips and have helped prepare her for the future.
After being nominated by her sorority, Phillips decided to take the plunge and run for homecoming queen.
“Chi O put me up for homecoming queen at the very end of the summer before school started,” she said. “I was nominated, and it was such an honor to have the opportunity to represent our sorority.”
Phillips had support not only from Chi Omega but from students across campus during her campaign. She competed with three other girls for the title. The results of the voting led to a run-off election between Phillips and Caroline Burke. While it was a close race, Phillips eventually won 54 percent of the votes.
“Being able to run against three great girls was such an honor, and I was so thankful to be in that position,” Phillips said. “This whole experience just helped me learn and grow and I’d like to thank Chi O for the opportunity to run for homecoming queen.”
As homecoming queen, Phillips aims to represent Ole Miss and give back to the community. Phillips emphasizes the importance of bringing all Ole Miss students together as one family.
(Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
“I feel that Ole Miss has shaped me into the woman I am today because I’ve grown up coming here. I feel like this is my home. I just want every person on this campus and in the community to feel comfortable and know that they matter here,” Phillips said.
Phillips will graduate this spring, and she hopes to pursue a career in public relations.
“My goal after I graduate is to keep this happiness going for the next few years,” she said.
Look for Phillips this Saturday night at the homecoming football game against Memphis.
