‘A more confident me:’ New Miss UofA pageant titleholders look forward to year of personal growth, service | News

In a dazzling display of the Miss America crown’s four points — style, success, scholarship and service — the 58th Miss University of Arkansas competition ushered in four new titleholders, including Miss UofA and Miss UofA’s Teen.

The show commenced with last year’s titleholders, Starling Ledbetter and Kennedy Holland, delivering a captivating National Anthem performance before the contestants’ introduction. With 11 teens and 10 miss contestants, the Verizon Ballroom stage became a spectacle of gowns and jumpsuits in all shades, showcasing each young woman’s unique style and personality as they vied for the titles.

Toni Lindsey and Parice Bowser serve as the directors of the preliminary pageant; they host the competition and mentor the winners, helping coach and prepare them for the statewide Miss Arkansas pageant each summer. Lindsey has been involved with Miss UofA since 2007, and Bowser has assisted for the past five years.

“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.”

Lindsey has coached many UofA titleholders to the state crown over the last 17 years. At this preliminary pageant, three former Miss Arkansas titleholders and UA alumnae were present: Savannah Skidmore, Whitney Williams and Emcee Darynne Dahlmen.

Lillian Nunley, a sophomore political science major, took home the Miss UofA title and the overall leadership, impact, aspire to inspire, and evening gown awards. She has been competing in pageants since she was three months old, and this experience has equipped her with confidence and determination, Nunley said.

“Winning the title of Miss UofA has left me utterly ecstatic,” Nunley said, “beyond (what) words can express. The feeling of being crowned is surreal like a dream come true, and I am still over the moon.”

Delaney Reddell, an 8th-grade student from Jasper, Arkansas, took home the teen title. This year will be her second time competing for the title of Miss Arkansas’ Teen, and before she was a contestant, she was a Diamond State Princess (DSP), participating in a mentorship program intended to introduce young people to the Miss America Organization. In 2022, she was Miss UofA Taryn Bewley’s DSP and was able to make many university appearances at athletic and social events.

“I’m looking forward to making so many connections,” Reddell said, “and spending time with my directors and especially my sister queens. I also look forward to representing the University of Arkansas proudly at the state competition.”

Each candidate is required to have a talent and community service initiative (CSI). Nunley’s talent is speed painting, and her CSI is “Leap into Action: Inspiring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” It is centered around fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, striving to create awareness, promote dialogue and take concrete actions to address community DEI issues.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to extend my outreach efforts beyond campus boundaries,” Nunley said, “particularly by engaging with elementary schools. Visiting elementary schools allows me to inspire young minds, emphasizing the importance of education, leadership and community involvement from an early age.”  

Reddell’s talent is a vocal performance to the song “Via Dolorosa,” and her CSI is “DEL: Delivering Elderly Love.” This initiative is sponsored by the nonprofit Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents and intends to grant sample wishes and bring small joys to nursing home residents.

Though this competition marks the end of Ledbetter’s tenure as the 57th Miss UofA, she said she is excited to pass her crown on to Nunley.

“I’ve had the opportunity of getting to be really close with Lillian over the past five years and are now within the same sorority,” Ledbetter said. “I like to claim her as my true sister. The one thing I told her was to be unapologetically herself. She is such a light in so many people’s lives.”

Throughout this next year, Nunley will uphold many Miss UofA traditions and prepare for the Miss Arkansas state competition in Little Rock in June.

“It’s not just about winning titles,” Nunley said, “it’s about becoming a stronger, more confident me.”