From freshmen to seniors and from Walnut Ridge to Thailand, nine WBU students will be competing for the Miss Williams Baptist University crown. The pageant is set for Thursday evening, March 14.

Williams changed to university status last summer, which means this year’s winner will become the first Miss WBU.

Miss WBU is a school-sponsored pageant with talent competition, a group performance and evening gown competition. A panel of judges will determine the court and winner of Miss WBU. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to select their favorite.

Pageant chair and WBU Dean of Students Amber Grady said, “Each contestant adds so much personality. As the pageant coordinator, I have been surprised by their exceptional and diverse talents.”

Grady added, “Each contestant exemplifies the WBU spirit of excellence.  I have been delighted to work alongside them in preparing for what I believe will be an exciting pageant.”

WBU invites everyone to attend the Miss WBU 2019 pageant on Thursday, March 14 at 7:00pm in the Southerland-Mabee Center. Tickets for admission are $5 per adult and can be purchased at the door. Admission is free for anyone under 18.

Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Ark.

(Seated, left to right) Kayla Roberts of Walnut Ridge; Tori Johnson from Clinton, Ark.; and Brianna Williams from North Little Rock, Ark. Standing: MaKayla Durham of Walnut Ridge; Tippany Cummins from Chiang Mai, Thailand; Melanie McKuin from Dexter, Mo.; Ashley Hagel from Bentonville, Ark.; and Makenna Florer from Fayetteville, Ark.  Not pictured: contestant Ka’Liyah Rodgers from Maumelle, Ark.