Hannah Foote
Contributing Writer
[email protected]

Though traditionally held in Lovett Auditorium, the Ms. MSU Pageant will take place in the Johnson Theater this year.

The Campus Activities Board branch of the Student Government Association hosts the pageant. Each spring, the Board chooses a new Ms. MSU to represent the University.

The student chosen as Ms. MSU will go on to represent Murray State in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in May for a chance to be crowned queen of the festival by Gov. Andy Beshear, as well as represent the University at other community events and parades.

The currently reigning Ms. MSU, Hannah Irvin, said she is thankful for her time as Ms. MSU.

“The Ms. Murray State University scholarship pageant is a beloved tradition of the University that I am so honored to be a part of,” Irvin said.

Ms. MSU will not be able to qualify for other state or national pageants, but will receive a scholarship.

In the fall, registered student organizations had the opportunity to nominate women to represent their organization. This year, the Board considered around 50 nominees.

The Board interviewed the nominees to determine the 15 advancing to compete in the pageant.

The pageant starts with the Top 15 performing the opening dance and giving introductions. Then, they will complete a formal walk in a ball gown of their choice.

Afterwards, the judges will choose the Top 5 to continue. The Top 5 will complete a one-minute speech portion. From there, the overall scores will be determined to decide the next Ms. MSU.

Ms. MSU has functioned as a spokesperson for the University since its founding in 1922.  Her duties include: riding in the Homecoming Parade, meeting incoming students at orientations and acting as a role model on and off campus.

The role has undergone changes over the years, as well as name changes.  At one time the role was held by members of the cheerleading squad. It wasn’t until 1970 that the Student Government Association took over Ms. MSU.

Previous Ms. MSU winners have gone on to compete in other pageants on their own accord, winning local and state pageants. For example, former Ms. MSU Jackie Taylor held Miss Kentucky USA in 1986.

“The Top 15 contestants competing in the pageant this weekend were selected based on their outstanding commitment and representation of the MSU campus,” Irvin said. “While it has been such a joy to represent this university both on campus and in the community, I am so excited to crown the 2022 Ms. MSU and watch her own journey begin this weekend.”

Ms. MSU must be academically driven and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Other than this, judges look for someone who is a skilled public speaker.

Those involved with the pageant hope to promote self- confidence and reward outstanding students.

“In truth, the Ms. Murray State Pageant this is not just about pageantry, but it is about empowerment, self-esteem, self-confidence and so much more,” according to the Student Government Association’s page on Murray State’s website.

The pageant will take place on Saturday, April 2nd at 7:30 p.m.  There will be no general admission due to limited seating.