Vassallo: 67th Anniversary of Miss University Pageant

Beautiful and immensely talented Carol Coker of Blue Springs is Miss University 2016.

Carol is a sophomore at Ole Miss and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Carol tied for the first place in the talent competition performing the hit song “I Surrender.” Her rendition rocked the Ford Center and provided the winning edge over her six competitors.

Carol will be competing in the Miss Mississippi Pageant in Vicksburg June 22-25. This will be her third time in the state’s competition.

Carol Coker is Miss University 2016.

Carol visited briefly with HottyToddy.com after being crowned. She said, “There are not words to describe my excitement. I’m trying to take it all in. This will be a year to come!”

Taylor Cos was the first runner-up. Taylor is from Hoover, Alabama and is Carol’s sorority sister. Second runner-up was Kelly Savage from Ponte Vedra, Florida. Other contestants were Mary Randall Ivy, Abigail Wilbanks, Leah Gibson and Anessa Guess.

Taylor Cos (left) and Kelly Savage (right)

Carol’s vocal talent will take her a long way in the Miss Mississippi Pageant where she will compete for thousands of dollars in scholarship funds. Last year’s Miss University, France Beard, who was the first runner-up to Miss Mississippi, placed the Miss University crown on Carol following the judges’ decision.

The first Miss University Pageant was held in 1950. Notable winners through the years included Lynda Mead (1959 and Miss America), Annice Raye Jernigan (1961), Martha Tate Stokely (1967), Mary Donnelly (1977), Kathy Manning (1984) and Susan Akin (1985 and Miss America). Susan Akin was the last Miss University winner to be crowned Miss Mississippi.

Linda Meade as Miss University.
(c) Meek School of Journalism and New Media, Ed meek Collection, University of Mississippi Archives

Linda Meade as Miss America. She returned to the campus from Atlantic City as she was treated to a parade throughout the community.
(c) Meek School of Journalism and New Media, Ed meek Collection, University of Mississippi Archives

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.