JONESBORO — Paisley Rea, a freshman communication disorders major from Benton, was crowned Miss Arkansas State University 2027 during a ceremony held Wednesday night at Riceland Hall in the Fowler Center. The annual competition, now in its 52nd year, was hosted by the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity chapter at A-State.
Rea impressed the judges with a contemporary dance performance to Whitney Houston’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Her community service platform, titled “MVP: My Value Is Permanent,” focuses on promoting mental wellness, resilience, and self-worth among athletes. As part of her initiative, Rea plans to launch a podcast called "MVP Talks," where she will engage with fellow athletes about facing and overcoming challenges.
“I’m so excited; Arkansas State has made such a big impact on my life, and I’m just so excited I get to represent the university this year,” Rea said.
Rea, sponsored by A-State Spirit Squads, received a $5,000 scholarship as well as additional gifts and prizes from sponsors.
Ellie Smith, the pageant’s executive director and Miss A-State 2019, praised Rea’s victory. “Getting to welcome Paisley into the sisterhood is just a dream come true. I recruited her to take part in the Miss A-State pageant for the first time last year, and to see her turn around and win this year is so awesome. I’m excited to get the chance to work with her and help her prepare for Miss Arkansas,” Smith said.
Kennedy Johnson, a junior nursing major from Batesville, was named first runner-up. Johnson performed a contemporary dance to Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” and promoted her community service initiative, “Healthcare Without Boundaries,” which focuses on creating accessible pathways to health care and educating the public about prevention methods. Johnson earned an $800 scholarship, along with additional prizes. She was sponsored by friends and family.
Second runner-up went to Shawna Whitehurst, a sophomore strategic communication major from Jonesboro. Her performance of Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow” highlighted her initiative, “The Challenge of Dyslexia,” which advocates for individuals with learning disabilities. Whitehurst earned a $500 scholarship and other prizes, sponsored by Alpha Gamma Delta.
Freshman Reese Carr, majoring in radiologic sciences and hailing from Campbell, Missouri, was named third runner-up. Carr performed “Beauty and the Beast” from Disney’s classic film of the same name. Her initiative, “Seen Not Missed,” focuses on awareness and better recognition of ADHD in young girls. She received a $250 scholarship, sponsored by LT Jewelry and Grandma Hudy.
Fourth runner-up was MaryBeth Penter, a junior radiologic sciences major from Trumann. Penter performed a cheer stunt routine to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” and highlighted her platform, “Letters of Hope: Early Intervention for Children with Dyslexia.” She received a $100 scholarship and was sponsored by Alpha Omicron Pi.
Additional awards included the Academic Excellence Award, given to Sarah Grace Taylor; Community Service Award, won by Alexia Loudermilk; Miss Congeniality Award, earned by Tessa Yielding; On Stage Conversation Award, presented to Kennedy Johnson; People’s Choice Award, given to Chloe Harpole; Social Media Promotions Award, received by Reese Carr; Spirit of a Red Wolf Award, won by Hadleigh Surprenant; and Talent Award, presented to Paisley Rea.
The competition featured performances and causes championed by 11 candidates, all students at A-State. Scholarships and prizes totaling thousands of dollars were awarded. As an official preliminary contest for the Miss Arkansas pageant in the Miss America system, the Miss A-State competition provides an opportunity for participants to earn scholarships while developing valuable skills.
Rea will now represent Arkansas State University at the Miss Arkansas pageant in June, hosted annually in Little Rock. Throughout her reign, she will participate in university events and promote her mental health platform.
“The overall local support we have for this pageant and organization is wonderful, and it only continues to get better every year. Paisley will be well loved, well supported, and well prepared for Miss Arkansas,” Smith said.
The pageant is a long-standing tradition at Arkansas State, with the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter sponsoring the event since 1975.