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McKenzie Fuller Crowned Miss Jacksonville State University 2025, Makes History

McKenzie Fuller crowned Miss Jacksonville State University 2025
Photo Courtesy of JSU

Jacksonville, AL — McKenzie Fuller fulfilled a lifelong dream on Friday night, being crowned Miss Jacksonville State University 2025 in the Leone Cole Auditorium. The Applied Chemistry major from Ohatchee, Alabama, made history as the first woman of color to hold the title in the competition’s 42-year history.

“With this, not only am I aiming to make an impact in my community, but to instill the confidence in young girls and women that they too can break through barriers and be the representation in areas where it was once absent,” Fuller said. “I want them to be the example if they don’t see one.”

As Miss JSU, Fuller will represent Jacksonville State University and champion her service initiative, Reading Rockets: Reading Literacy in Elementary Aged Students. “I am stressing the importance of reading literacy and comprehension as this is the building block to ensure a successful future,” Fuller explained. “During my reign, I will meet as many students as I can and instill in them the importance of education and utilizing their resources.”

The competition’s theme, Stars Fell on Jax State, set the stage for an inspiring evening featuring eight contestants. Competition Director Abbie Beatty commended the participants for their dedication, stating, “We had eight exceptional women competing for the title of Miss Jacksonville State University 2025. It was a tough competition, and I’m very proud of the hard work the students put into preparing and competing.”

Additional honorees included:

  • First Runner-Up: Ellington Jones
  • Talent Preliminary Winner: Lauren Kilgore
  • Darby Angle Acts of Kindness Scholarship Recipient: Sara Poole

For the talent portion, Fuller showcased her passion for science with a live demonstration of a chemical reaction known as “elephants’ toothpaste.” Inspired by Miss America 2019, Camille Schrier, Fuller said, “I chose to do this because science is something I have always been passionate about. My talent was something that you typically wouldn’t see at a preliminary competition, so I hope it was something the audience enjoyed.”

In preparation for the pageant, Fuller found strength in faith, repeating John 14:27 to herself: “Be my comfort in my challenge, Lord.” Reflecting on the moment she was crowned, she said, “I just let go and let God, staying present in the moment and feeling proud of the opportunity I had just experienced.”

As Miss JSU, Fuller receives several prizes, including:

  • A Jax State tuition scholarship for fall 2025 and spring 2026
  • An official crown box and sash courtesy of Jax State Panhellenic
  • A $1,000 travel scholarship courtesy of Sheri Harbison
  • Additional gifts such as personal training sessions, a bouquet, and a Red Threads gift card

Fuller will represent Jacksonville State University at the Miss Alabama pageant in June, carrying forward the legacy of Miss JSU and her commitment to education and community service.

The Miss America organization, under which the competition operates, provides millions of dollars in scholarships each year, offering women opportunities to further their education. Fuller now joins a prestigious group of titleholders who have used this platform to make meaningful contributions both on campus and beyond.

 

McKenzie Fuller crowned Miss Jacksonville State University 2025

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