By: Phoebe Harris
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The 58th Miss University of Arkansas pageant was held Saturday, March 2, 2024. The judges crowned Lilliann Nunley, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas. Nunley is also a student athlete who runs track at the University of Arkansas and a member of the Chi Omega Psi Sorority. Miss University of Arkansas will represent the campus throughout the year at various community and campus events. She will also represent the flagship campus on stage at Miss Arkansas in June of 2024 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Toni Lindsey, director of the Miss University of Arkansas pageant, said she was excited and encouraged by the participation in this year’s pageant.
“This was one of the most competitive groups we’ve seen in a long time,” said Lindsey. “I am looking forward to working with our incredible new winners! We are so excited to see the difference they can make in the lives of others in the community and the personal growth they can achieve this year! And we will be cheering loudly for them this summer as they represent the University of Arkansas in Little Rock!”
Lindsey also said that she thinks there is a lot of misconceptions surrounding pageantry, and that’s why she’s excited Nunley is not only a pageant contestant, but a student athlete as well.
“I think a lot of folks think pageants are just about beauty, but they are so much more,” said Lindsey. “These contestants are so intelligent, community minded, and talented! They promote various charitable organizations and mentor so many young people during their year as well. These titleholders give back to the communities around them and work to become the best versions of themselves along the way.”
Lindsey said that she was inspired to get involved with directing the Miss University of Arkansas pageant after competing years ago and earning enough scholarship dollars to pay for two years of college, she saw the benefits this organization could have in a young woman’s life.
“It is so rewarding to get to pour into these women and watch them grow and develop into the best versions of themselves,” Lindsey said, “not everyone can bring home the state title, but it is wonderful to watch these young women develop skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. From learning what it takes to handle a successful interview to speaking before a crowd, we’ve been fortunate to watch many of our titleholders grow to be successful not only in the pageant world but in the real world as well.”
Each contestant is required to complete a private interview with the judges and compete in four other phases of competition: talent, evening gown, onstage question, and fitness wear. Approximately 30 girls will compete for the title of Miss Arkansas in June and Nunley will accompany them.
Lindsey said that she is looking forward to Nunley getting involved on the University of Arkansas campus. “LilliAnn would love to meet and interact with as many students and campus organizations as possible during her year,” said Lindsey. “Please reach out to her and invite her to speak to your group. You can follow her year on social media @missuofarkansas, too!”