The first Miss University of South Alabama is crowned after a 13-year absence

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – It's a historic moment for the University of South Alabama.

After a 13-year absence, the Miss University of South Alabama beauty pageant made its comeback Saturday evening.

Maleigha Lewis was crowned the new Miss University of South Alabama at the University of South Alabama's Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

FOX10's Ashlyn Mitchell served as master of ceremonies alongside Miss Alabama 2023 Brianna Burrell. Ashlyn Mitchell was Miss University of Mobile 2022 and then competed in the Miss Alabama pageant.

Seven delegates vied for the crown, competing in the Private Interview, Health and Fitness, Evening Wear, Private Interview and Stage Question categories.

Lewis will immediately begin a year of service as the school's chief ambassador before competing in the Miss Alabama 2025 pageant.

Brianna Burrell is a graduate of the USA herself. She says when she was crowned Miss Alabama 2023, she sat down with University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner to discuss the program's return. Since then there has been a whirlwind of preparations, culminating in this moment.

Burrell says she is thrilled the program is back. Above all, she says she wants to provide scholarship opportunities to more young women.

“Miss America is the largest scholarship provider for young women. In just two years of competition, I paid off all of my student debt and now I have the chance to get my master's degree debt-free. These are scholarship opportunities for young women who may not have the necessary grades or may not have these opportunities elsewhere. They can come here, put their best foot forward, showcase their talents and intelligence and be rewarded for it, but also gain a sisterhood,” Burrell said.

Miss University of South Alabama Executive Director Meredith Moody says this is just the beginning.

“We look forward to not only the incredible program tonight, but also the incredible programs we will have in the future. So from everything from fundraising to sponsorship opportunities to just watching – okay, our inaugural year has been successful and that's wonderful. “So what can we learn from this, how can we grow?” Moody said.

“There will be so many opportunities for this community to meet the new Miss University of South Alabama from the fall semester through the spring semester and watch her compete as Miss Alabama,” added Dr. Mike Mitchell, vice president for student affairs and additional dean of students.

The second alternate was Sarah Claire Hults, who received a $1,250 scholarship.

Sydnee Cantley was the first alternate and received a $2,500 scholarship. Cantley also won the $250 preliminary talent award.

Lewis, the new Miss University of South Alabama, won a $5,000 scholarship and a $250 preliminary evening gown scholarship.

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.