Cameron Davis was crowned Miss University at the 77th annual Miss University scholarship competition on Thursday in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
Davis, a junior psychology major from Meridian, Miss., is a member of the Rebelettes, the Delta Delta Delta sorority and an Ole Miss Women’s Council Scholar. The new Miss University will go on to compete in the 2026 Miss Mississippi competition in Vicksburg, Miss., in June 2026, and she will receive more than $5,000 in scholarships.
Hannah Grace Crain, Rose Stafford and Sarah Grace Blackwelder were named first, second and third alternates, respectively.
McKenzie Cox, Miss University 2025, shared advice for Davis.
“The first thing is to not take a single second for granted,” Cox said. “Three hundred sixty-five days really flies by when you are Miss University. But another thing would be to recognize the privilege and responsibility that comes with representing the university. … Being a mentor to young girls in Oxford and across the state of Mississippi is so special,” Cox said.
Nine candidates competed in four Miss University categories: on-stage conversation, talent, health and fitness, and evening gown. The pageant was emceed by Mr. Ole Miss and SAA Executive Director Ryan Augustine and 2025 Miss Mississippi Anna Leah Jolly.
Judges for the competition were Linda Ross, Mallie Imbler, Ryan Upshaw, Mary Brandon Johnston and Jamie Davenport.
Contestants were asked questions by the judges, such as how would they embody the Miss America brand. The winner of the Miss Mississippi pageant will advance to the Miss America competition.
“The Miss America brand promotes empowerment through purpose. How would you personally define empowerment and how do you thrive to model it every day?” one judge asked.
Davis’ response helped her become this year’s Miss University.
“I would define empowerment as being confident in yourself and your abilities,” Davis said. “As a student at Ole Miss and as an individual, I try to be confident in every single thing that I do. So that I know that I am putting my best foot forward and being the best person (that) I can possibly be.”
