How do you go about changing a 38-year-old campus tradition? Miss UVU, UVU’s scholarship pageant and longest-standing on-campus tradition, underwent major changes this year that ended its affiliation with the Miss America organization. The Miss UVU Pageant has shifted its attention from traditional pageantry rules and regulations to university-based platforms and participant inclusivity. There is no longer an age limit or marital status requirement, and any individual that identifies as a female is welcome to compete for the crown.

“The biggest motivation for these changes is to create a more inclusive atmosphere,” said Ashley Hardison, director of the Miss UVU Pageant. “Our campus is so broad and diverse, and we want our pageant to reflect that as well.”

The competition judging was also affected, with a breakdown of points now including:

• Academic Standing: 10%
• Campus Impact Initiative: 25%
• Private Interview (questions surrounding campus impact initiative): 25%
• Talent: 20%
• Onstage Question (follow-up question from private interview): 10%
• Evening wear: 10%

Over half of each contestant’s score is now connected to their campus impact initiative. This initiative is a yearlong plan created and implemented by Miss UVU to address a specific need on campus.

“Miss America supports some wonderful organizations,” said Hardison. “But there were so many outward-facing service projects that it took away from what Miss UVU could have done here on campus. UVU will see a tangible difference with the way the pageant is structured now.”

Kadee Jo Jones is the first Miss UVU to be crowned under these new competition rules. After winning the title on September 23, 2019, she is ready to begin her campus impact initiative plan ­— the Wolverine Writing Campaign. The campaign will focus on teaching students basic writing skills that they can use during their college career and when they enter the workforce. 

“Miss UVU is a great way to earn scholarship money and serve the campus community,” said Jones. “UVU invests in its students and is not afraid to put their skin in the game. The University allowed me to participate in the Honors Program, receive a student internship on Capitol Hill, and serve as a presidential intern. UVU is clearly invested in my education, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to give back to a university that’s given me so much over the years.”

 

UVU is clearly invested in my education, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to give back to a university that’s given me so much over the years.