The Miss SWOSU Pageant, a tradition at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), is making subtle yet strategic changes this year, with the goal of ensuring continued opportunities for its contestants.
This year, the pageant board has decided to temporarily disassociate from the Miss America/Miss Oklahoma organization. They intend to evaluate this decision after the 2023 event before considering any future association. Notably, there will be no Miss SWOSU Teen competition this year.
These changes come in response to the evolving landscape of the Miss America Organization, which is under new ownership and pursuing strategic business changes to enhance its brand and recognition. These changes have led to increased financial burdens, including fees for each local pageant, annual membership dues for contestants, and mandatory health and fitness attire costs. The organization also seeks greater control over branding, social media, advertising, and livestreaming, posing challenges for local pageants like Miss SWOSU.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining a platform for contestants to earn scholarships, the Miss SWOSU Pageant board has decided to host a University Pageant this year, maintaining autonomy over their terms and policies. This approach will allow participants to compete without the constraints of stringent rules and regulations that may otherwise limit their participation.
The upcoming Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at 7 p.m. in the SWOSU Fine Arts Center in Weatherford, will feature contestants competing for scholarships in various categories, including private interviews (30%), on-stage conversation (10%), talent (30%), health and fitness (10%), and evening gown (20%) segments.
To be eligible, contestants must meet specific criteria, including being female, born between 1996–2006, not exceeding the age of 28 by December 31, 2024, and maintaining full-time enrollment at SWOSU with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. International students and graduate students enrolled at SWOSU are also welcome to compete in the Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant. Lastly, contestants cannot be nor have ever been married or been a parent/adoptive parent.
Entry submissions are due by Thursday, Oct. 5, with a mandatory meeting scheduled for the same day at 5 p.m. in the Bonny Board Room within the Memorial Student Center. All necessary paperwork must be submitted during this meeting. To request an entry packet, please contact missswosu@ swosu.edu.
This year, each contestant will be accompanied by Little Stars during the evening-wear competition. The Little Stars, girls aged 5–10, will also enjoy a pre-pageant bowling party at Southwestern Lanes with the contestants. The Little Star program serves as a fundraiser and as a mentoring program for both contestants and stars. The Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant promises an entertaining evening with performances by Kendi’s School of Dance students and the SWOSU Jazz Band. Miss SWOSU Megan Bradley of Leedey and Miss SWOSU Teen Landri Jones of Weatherford will also perform during the evening.
The Miss SWOSU Pageant board acknowledges that these changes are essential for the continued success of awarding scholarships to SWOSU students. This year’s University Pageant format serves as a pilot, with plans for a thorough evaluation to shape future editions. The board extends its gratitude for the community’s enduring support of the Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant and pledges to present an ambassador who will make both SWOSU and the city of Weatherford very proud.
For more information about the Miss SWOSU Pageant, please visit https:// www.swosu.edu/miss-swosu/ index.php, or contact Co-Directors of the program, Ellen Hamburger-Mol and Tia Sauer- Blanchard at [email protected].
