By Stephanie Huynh, Editor-In-Chief
Photos by Aneirin Rockwell, Photographer

Private interview. Health and fitness. Talent. Evening wear. On-stage conversation. These five criteria were what a panel of judges used to crown Maleigha Lewis as the first Miss University of South Alabama after a 13-year hiatus. On Oct. 5, the Miss University of South Alabama pageant returned to campus, where seven young women competed for the crown. This Miss America preliminary competition took place in Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. Miss Alabama 2023 and South Alabama alumna Brianna Burrell co-emceed the competition with Miss University of Mobile 2022 and FOX10 anchor Ashlyn Mitchell.

The Miss America organization offers more than just a crown. Scholarships are also available for the delegates who compete. The Preliminary Talent Award of $250 went to Sydnee Cantley, and the Preliminary Evening Wear Award of $250 went to Lewis. Sarah Claire Hults was named Second Alternate and received a scholarship for $1,250. Cantley was named First Alternate and received a scholarship for $2,500.

With the distinction of being Miss University of South Alabama, Lewis received a $5000 scholarship and the responsibility to publicly represent the university over the next year. Next semester, she will go on to compete for the title of Miss Alabama.

This year’s delegates were Peyton Boseman-Mosely, Abbi-Jean Sanders, Maleigha Lewis, Sydnee Cantley, Starr Woods, Sarah Claire Hults, and Mary Helene Marmande. Photos by Aneirin Rockwell.

This competition’s success can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Executive Director Meredith Moody, Assistant Director Morgan Wilkerson, Judges Chair Coleman Wolf, Production Chair and Choreographer Dallas Tipper, Social Media Chair Abigail Bolton, Distinguished Guests Liaison Larry Andrews, and Field Directors Steve and Tammy Spradlin. This preliminary took around two years to develop.

Dr. Andi Kent, Executive Vice President and Provost, shared her excitement about the return of the program and the promise that it held for future young women who have chosen to attend South Alabama.

“We really didn’t know the story of what happened 13 years ago and why we didn’t have one today,” said Kent. “That really didn’t matter – what mattered was we wanted to give the opportunity for young women to showcase their talents and abilities, to give a new beginning to who they are today, and to see where they want to go. It has been a journey of love and passion for [Moody] to make this happen, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Moody first became involved with the Miss America organization during her undergraduate experience as a volunteer at the University of Southern Mississippi preliminary. At the first preliminary she volunteered for, she met Dr. Mike Mitchell, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, where he served as one of the emcees.

“Serendipitously, about two-and-a-half years ago, Dr. Mitchell and I were judging an Elevator Pitch Symposium in the Whiddon College of Medicine,” said Moody. “I told Dr. Mitchell that I would love to volunteer with the preliminary if it were ever to return.”

When Moody realized that she missed an unexpected phone call from Mitchell, she remembered their conversation from the symposium.

“When meeting with Dr. Mitchell and other campus leaders to discuss the program’s return, I remember feeling excited and humbled,” said Moody. “This was an amazing opportunity to empower and inspire young women participating in the program, and I wanted to make the university and its leadership proud. I was honored by the opportunity to serve as Executive Director and grateful that Dr. Mitchell had remembered our long-ago conversation.”

Introducing the 2025 Miss University of South Alabama

Lewis first became interested in competing at a young age when she saw her first local pageant flier while at a hair salon with her mother.

“Although I couldn’t fully read it at the time, my mother explained pageantry to me, and I was so eager to participate that I begged her to let me compete,” said Lewis. From there, she went on to win her first pageant.

As part of the competition, delegates are invited to share about a community service initiative that is near to their hearts. Lewis’s service initiative is called “Happy Plate,” a name inspired by her grandmother’s term for finishing a meal. She hopes to break the stigma around food insecurity and work towards ensuring that individuals and their families have the resources necessary to live healthy lifestyles.

“When I was crowned Miss University of South Alabama, I felt incredibly grateful and blessed; it was a surreal moment that I will cherish forever,” said Lewis. “The overwhelming support from my friends, family, and community made it even more special.”

Looking ahead, Lewis shared she is most excited about the opportunity to share her passions and inspire her peers to embrace a spirit of service, all while representing and serving the university she holds so dearly.

“Now that our 2024-2025 competition is over, we’re very excited to support Maleigha as she represents the University during her year of service both here in the University community and on the Miss Alabama Scholarship Competition stage next summer,” said Moody. “We’re also looking forward to continuing to empower and inspire young women through next year’s competition with larger scholarships, more professional and personal development opportunities, and unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

To keep up with Lewis’s journey as Miss University of South Alabama, follow @missuofsouthalabama on Instagram.

Edited title for clarity on Dec. 1, 2024.