Heather Neilson said she never envisioned herself wearing a crown until last fall. She will now proudly wear one when she walks onto the football field as the University of Mississippi’s 2015 homecoming queen.

Neilson, a senior integrated marketing and communications major, is determined to make something out of her title.

“I want to go down in Ole Miss history as the homecoming queen who shared the crown,” Neilson said. “This coming weekend is for every student, faculty member, staff, or alumni that gets that special feeling crossing into the 38677 that truly makes them feel like they are coming home.”

Neilson said she knew from the beginning of her campaign she wanted to adopt a statewide focus. She started with the making of Mississippi-shaped stickers and campaign items. Neilson said the logo represented not only her, but the student body as a whole.

“Mississippi represents the entire University — all of us come from all different places, but we all chose to come to the University of Mississippi,” Neilson said. “No matter where you come from, we are all here now at the University of Mississippi. Each student chose this University over others for many different reasons, so I think the state is something that every student can relate back to.”

Neilson said she believes her status as an Oxford native affords her an opportunity to separate herself from the previous queens. By fostering greater cooperation and interaction between the student body and the city of Oxford, Neilson said she strives to change the perception of Ole Miss and Oxford as two separate entities. In her mind, they can easily become one.

Hal Neilson, Heather’s father, said when Neilson became Associated Student Body secretary her junior year, she used her position to meet with Mayor Pat Patterson to talk about what she could do to connect Ole Miss with the city of Oxford.

“Heather had it together as a child and all the way through high school,” Hal said. “She had her life planned and knew what she was doing and excelled in her grades and her extra curricular activities. She was one of those children that makes the most of her day. She really steps out there, tries to be the best person she can be, and I think her record is now exemplifying that.”

Neilson said each night this week she has gotten less and less sleep due to nerves. Neilson’s duties started Thursday night with practice walking down the field. Saturday morning, Neilson will wake up early and begin “primping” around 7 a.m. At 9 a.m., she will speak to the annual alumni meeting before arriving at the stadium.