Kacey Tomlinson of Calico Rock, Ark., is the newly crowned Miss Williams Baptist University. Tomlinson was awarded the title at the conclusion of the 2026 Miss WBU pageant Friday evening.

Tomlinson (second from left in photo), a freshman English major with a minor in music, also took home the pageant’s talent and Miss Congeniality awards.  Miss Congeniality was picked by a vote of the pageant contestants. She is the daughter of Sean & Christy Tomlinson.

The First Runner-up was Nevaeh Larkins (left) of Poplar Bluff, Mo.  Larkins, a junior psychology major, is the daughter of Bob & Jennifer Larkins.

Second Runner-up honors went to Emberlin Caldwell (second from right) of Van Buren, Ark. Caldwell is a junior biology major with a minor in psychology. She is the daughter of CR & Laura Caldwell.

The People’s Choice Award, which was selected by the crowd in attendance, was given to Rachel Dudley (right) of Benton, Ark. Dudley is a sophomore music education major. She is the daughter of Bart & Sarah Dudley. 

Fourteen contestants were vying for the title of Miss WBU. They were judged based on a private interview, talent, evening gown and stage presence.

The 2025 Miss Williams Baptist University, Kerrigan Kinsey, gave her farewell address at the pageant. She crowned Tomlinson as the new Miss WBU, and presented awards to the other honorees, as well.