Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor and Contestants
Parade of Contestants
Introduction of Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2025, Ava Weeks
Escorted by Opal Sandefur, Miss Arkansas Diamond
Introduction of Miss Arkansas 2025, Kennedy Holland
Introduction of Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2025, Amelia Lisowe
Onstage Conversation Competition
Special Vocal Performance
Miss Arkansas 2025, Kennedy Holland
“SOS”
Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor
Health and Fitness Competition
Special Dance Performance, “The Light That Never Fades”
Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2025, Amelia Lisowe
Special Vocal Performance and Dance, “I Dreamed a Dream”
Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2025 and Miss Southwest Arkansas 2026, Ava Weeks, with a special dance accompaniment by Anna Weeks
Talent Competition
INTERMISSION
Introduction of Visiting Royalty and Former Miss Ouachita Baptist University Title Holders
“Free Falling”
Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor
Evening Wear Competition
Farewell
Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2025, Ava Weeks
“Good Time”
Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor
Presentation of Awards and Crowning of Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2026
Order of Events
Miss Ouachita Baptist University
Ava Weeks
MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2025
What an incredible honor it has been to serve as Miss Ouachita Baptist University. This year has been about far more than a title — it has been the continuation of a legacy shaped by generations of women, mentors, faculty, staff and students who make Ouachita such a special place. I am deeply grateful to have been entrusted with representing a university that has formed my faith, strengthened my character and taught me the value of serving others.
My connection to Miss OBU began long before I stepped onto campus. In 1992, my mom served as Miss Ouachita Baptist University, and growing up, I often walked the halls and saw her portrait hanging there. As a child, I would pause and look at it, dreaming of what it would be like to wear that crown someday. Even then, I wanted to be just like her, but what I didn’t understand was the honor, commitment and legacy the title held.
One of the most meaningful moments of this year was when my mom hugged me with tears in her eyes after my name was called. In that embrace, I felt the weight and beauty of this legacy. It was not about winning — it was about generations, faithfulness and the shared love we both hold for this university.
This year has been unforgettable because of the people who surrounded me. I am thankful for the women who have held this title before me and for the example they set. I am deeply grateful to the Miss OBU Board and my loving directors for their guidance, wisdom and encouragement throughout the year. Their servant-hearted leadership reflects the very best of Ouachita.
I am also thankful for the faculty, staff and students who continually poured into me. From quiet words of encouragement to joyful celebrations at events across campus, I was constantly reminded that Miss OBU represents a community, not an individual. My friends and social club sisters made every step of this journey sweeter, and their support will always be something I treasure.
Representing Ouachita at events throughout the year allowed me to witness firsthand the heart of this university — its commitment to faith, excellence and service. Every conversation and experience reinforced that Ouachita’s greatest strength is its people.
I am especially grateful for my family. To my parents and sisters, thank you for your unwavering support, prayers and belief in me. Your love grounded me throughout this year, and I could not have done this without you.
Above all, I thank the Lord for the opportunity. This year has been one of gratitude, growth and reflection. To the next Miss OBU: cherish every moment. Invest deeply in the people around you, honor the legacy you inherit and remember that your greatest impact will come through how you love and serve others. This year will pass quickly, but the relationships you build and the moments you share will stay with you for a lifetime.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Ouachita Baptist University. I am forever grateful for this chapter and excited to watch the legacy continue.
Ava Weeks Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2025
Contestants
Olivia Taylor SENIOR
HOMETOWN: Benton, AR
MAJOR : Business Administration/Entrepreneurship
SPONSOR: Hickingbotham School of Business
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE : “Getting Down to Business: Bringing the Entrepreneurial Mindset to Small Schools”
TALENT SELECTION: Vocal Performance, “Reflection”
PARENTS: Andreina and Michael Lee
CAREER GOAL : To run for Governor of Arkansas and own a bakery in retirement called “Spice of Life.”
Diana Taylor
SENIOR
HOMETOWN: Benton, AR
MAJOR : History and Political Science
SPONSOR: Sutton School of Social Sciences
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE: “The Challenge COIN: Flipping the Narrative on Veterans”
TALENT SELECTION: HERStory, “The Stage”
PARENTS: Andreina Lee and Michael Lee
CAREER GOALS: Serve 20 years in the U.S. Army and become an attorney.
Lauren Mann FRESHMAN
HOMETOWN: Cabot, AR
MAJOR : Worship Studies and Kinesiology
SPONSOR: Department of Kinesiology
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE : “Cultivating Minds”
TALENT SELECTION: Vocal Performance, “Wondering”
PARENTS: Randy and Sue Ann Mann
CAREER GOALS : Pursue a bi-vocational career in sports and leading worship.
Madeline Yaney SENIOR
HOMETOWN: Little Rock, AR
MAJOR : Communications & Media
SPONSOR: The Women of EEE
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE: “Children’s Literacy: Opening Doors through Reading”
CAREER GOALS: To use digital media, public speaking and event planning to connect communities and create meaningful positive impacts.
Emma Dill JUNIOR
HOMETOWN: North Little Rock, AR
MAJOR : Kinesiology/Pre-Professional Studies
SPONSOR: Wesley and Debbie Kluck
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE : “Hey You Belong Here: Suicide Prevention”
TALENT SELECTION: Acrobatic Jazz Dance
PARENTS: Bart and Laura Dill
CAREER GOALS : To receive my doctorate in physical therapy and become a pediatric physical therapist.
Anna Derby JUNIOR
HOMETOWN: Arkadelphia, AR
MAJOR : Kinesiology/Pre-Professional Studies
SPONSOR: Kinesiology Club
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE: “Strive to Thrive: Working Towards Wellness”
TALENT SELECTION: Tap Dance, “Runaway Baby”
PARENTS: Jay and Susan Derby
CAREER GOALS: To become a doctor of physical therapy.
Alli Hylkema
SENIOR
HOMETOWN: Jackson, Tennessee
MAJOR : Political Science and Communications
SPONSOR: Ouachita Cross Country and Track & Field
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE : “Hippotherapy for Special Needs Children and Adults”
TALENT SELECTION: Vocal Performance, “Moon River”
PARENTS: Derek and Mary Kay Hylkema CAREER GOALS: To become an attorney.
Kidron Romoser JUNIOR
HOMETOWN: Rogers, AR
MAJOR : Communication Sciences & Disorders
SPONSOR: The Women of Tri Chi
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE: “Voices of Change”
TALENT SELECTION: Vocal Performance, “I Wanna Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart”
PARENTS: Matthew and Florina Romoser
CAREER GOALS: To become a pediatric speech therapist.
Contestants
Tiffany Lee Terrell — EMCEE —
Tiffany Lee Terrell is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University and has spent the last seven years serving Arkansans as an anchor and reporter with CBS affiliate 5News. She helps Arkansans start their day as the weekday anchor for Northwest Arkansas’ Number 1 rated morning newscast, “5 News This Morning.” An Arkansas native, Tiffany has always been passionate about giving back to her home state. She spent four years as a titleholder in the Miss Arkansas Organization, including Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2017. During her four trips to Miss Arkansas, she was awarded multiple scholarships and honors –placing as a top 15 finalist, top 7 finalist, and third runner up – and received the Miss Congeniality award. Tiffany loves spending time serving in preschool ministry at her church, being with friends and family, and traveling with her husband, Branch Terrell. They reside in Springdale.
Judges
Michele Crafton Webb is a lifelong Arkansan and resides with her husband of 30 years, Dr. John Webb, in Hot Springs, where they raised their three daughters. A vocalist with five decades of performing experience, Michele has been involved with the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization for 39 years as a contestant, judge, proud parent of two second-generation contestants and executive director of Miss Greater Jacksonville.
Frederick Webb is a singer, actor and voice talent from Texarkana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Southern Arkansas University. After 11 years as a disability determination adjudicator for the state of Arkansas, he is now a full-time actor and singer. Frederick has performed at Arkansas Repertory Theatre in productions including “Hair,” “Footloose,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Into the Woods” and “Chicago.” In 2021, he won the Broadway World Regional Award for best performer in a musical for his portrayal of Leading Player in “Pippin.” He has also been a featured vocalist with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Delta Symphony Orchestra.
Katrinka Shields is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with more than a decade of experience in human resources and talent leadership. She serves as vice president of talent development at The Stephens Group, where she oversees initiatives focused on attracting, developing and retaining highperforming leaders. Katrinka has volunteered with Easterseals for more than 10 years, serving on the Art & Soul and Fashion Event committees and previously as chair of the Guardians Board. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends, family and her goldendoodle, Oliver, outside of her professional and volunteer commitments.
Amber Jurek is from Nashville, Arkansas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Arkansas, a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Harding University, and a master’s degree in teaching from Henderson State University. She currently practices in the general surgery department at Nashville’s Howard Memorial Hospital, where she passionately serves the community that helped shape her. Amber
competed for the Miss Arkansas title from 2015 to 2018 and continues to stay actively involved in the organization. She serves as a board member for Miss Ouachita River and Miss Southwest Arkansas, where she enjoys mentoring young women and investing in the next generation of leaders. Outside of medicine and the Miss Arkansas Organization, Amber enjoys group fitness classes, landscaping projects and traveling with her husband.
Suzanne Butler is a resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas. She attended Northeast Louisiana University and received a Master of Arts in communicative disorders. She has worked at First Step as a speech pathologist for 32 years. Suzanne has volunteered for Miss Arkansas for 25 years and is currently co-executive director of the Miss Greater Hot Springs/River City Scholarship Association. Suzanne is the mom of Anna Claire and John Thomas.
Amanda Anderson is the director of enrollment relations at Southern Arkansas University and a native of Magnolia. She earned a master’s degree in clinical and mental health counseling from Southern Arkansas University and volunteered for the Miss SAU Scholarship Competition for more than 20 years, serving as executive director for the last five. Amanda is an avid reader who enjoys traveling, watching Mulerider baseball and spending quality time with her husband, Adam, and their dog, Hattie. Her commitment to student success and community engagement has been a hallmark of her career in higher education.
Joel Anderson is the executive director of the Miss South Arkansas and Miss South Central Arkansas Scholarship Organizations. Joel is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he earned both a graduate certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is employed as the quality project coordinator at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Joel serves on the executive board of the Arkansas Association for Healthcare Quality. He is a trained vocalist with over 20 years’ experience, having performed and directed several musicals at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. A longtime Miss Arkansas patron and volunteer, Joel has been involved in the pageant arena for over 22 years. Joel was honored to receive the Miss Arkansas “Local Executive Director of the Year” award at the 2024 Miss Arkansas Scholarship Competition.
Miss Ouachita Baptist University Legacy
1967 SHARON EVANS BALE
1968 HELEN GENNINGS MUSGRAVE
1969 MARIJO BONO
1970 MARJORIE ROYSTON SCRUGGS
1971 CASEY KERR STARKEY
1972 ANNE P. COPPENGER
1973 SUSAN COPPENGER AKIN
1974 JANICE ROGERS BISHOP
1975 BEVERLY FANNING LOFTON
1976 SHERI MCMULLAN SWINDLER
1977 PAULA WOODALL PHELAN
1978 MONA ROWE ROWLAND
1979 JANE CHU
1980 JULIE HENDRIX DODGE
1981 MARCIA RAMIREZ WALDRON
1982 TERRY GRIFFIN PEEPLES
1983 DEANNA BRILEY CABANISS
1984 LISA STEVENS LOCKE
1985 PATTI THORN LUSK
1986 KIM CUNNINGHAM BLANKS
1987 NATALIE ALLEN BUTCHER
1988 MONTIE EDWARDS MAYFIELD
1989 TERESA LANG JONES
1990 MELANIE CICERO JENKINS
1991 CHRISTI FREEL SPEER
1992 APRIL GOSSER COOK
1993 BETH ANNE RANKIN BAKER
1994 JAMIE GILBERT FRAY
1995 ASHLEY ARRINGTON GARNER
1996 MERIDETH ARNN MCCOY
1997 SHARI PAYNE BALES
1998 LISA ADKINS JOHNSON
1999 JENNIFER CRAWLEY MAUNE
2000 LAUREN MCNAIR
2001 ERIN PITTMAN VAUGHN
2002 KRISTEN PORTER AINSWORTH
2003 JESSICA GARTMAN BUBBUS
2004 LACY FLEMING GLOVER
2005 JENNY PHILLIPS ROGERS
2006 RACHEL FRUCHEY BELL
2007 NICOLE DAYE HORNE
2008 LAUREN ENGLISH BRITTON
2009 BETHANY WHITFIELD MARSHALL
2010 BETHANY BRISCOE TONEY
2011 KRISTEN GLOVER BELEW
2012 MARYLACEY THOMSON
2013 KYLIE WRIGHT ENGEL
2014 ABBY LINDSEY TOMASSETTI
2015 BROOKE SCHMIDT LEGENS
2016 SUZIE GRESHAM BARHAM
2017 TIFFANY LEE TERRELL
2018 EMMA PITTS GEORGE
2019 JULIE WILLIAMS COLE
2020 CAROLINE DERBY
2021 CAROLINE DERBY
2022 KAELIN CLAY
2023 HALEY SHOURD
2024 BAILEY GIBSON
2025 AVA WEEKS
Ouachita Students Who Won Miss Arkansas
1967 SHARON EVANS BALE
1968 HELEN ROSE GENNINGS
1970 DONNA JOE CONNALLY
1978 NAYLENE VUURENS
COURT OF HONOR
Ava Weeks, Choreographer/Director
Graceanne Ashlock
Owen Ashlock
Hadley Gilmore
Nathan Price
Jade Sparks
1984 LISA STEVENS LOCKE
1988 PATTI THORN LUSK
1994 BETH ANNE RANKIN BAKER
2002 LAUREN DAVIDSON GREENHAW
SPECIAL GUEST
Miss Arkansas Diamond: Opal Sandefur, daughter of Molly Anne and Jake Sandefur
LIVESTREAM CREW
Brad Pierce, Joshua Engle and the Ouachita Student Media Team
2004 LACY FLEMING GLOVER
2010 ALYSE EADY LEMMOND
2011 KRISTEN GLOVER BELEW
JPAC CREW
Olivia Hibbard, Technical Director/ Production Manager
Naomi Bates, Box Office Manager
Reyna Cabrera
Mady Cherry
Dawson Gadberry
Connor Gamboa
Jacob King
Justin McDonald
Awards
MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2026 WILL RECEIVE:
$1000 Scholarship from Ouachita Baptist University
$1250 Scholarship from Miss OBU Board of Directors
Wardrobe Sponsorship by Emerge, Conway
Flower Bouquet from Mary & Martha’s Florist, Arkadelphia
Crown Pin from KelZek Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Arkadelphia
FIRST RUNNER UP WILL RECEIVE:
Dental Sponsorship from Raines Family Dental, Benton
Gym Membership to A-Town Fitness, Arkadelphia
Spray Tan Sponsorship by Madi Darr, Arkadelphia
Official Miss America Sash and Crown
Gift Certificate from The Blushed Pearl Boutique, Arkadelphia
$800 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU 2011 and Miss Arkansas 2011, Kristen Glover Belew
SECOND RUNNER UP WILL RECEIVE:
$400 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU 2011 and Miss Arkansas 2011, Kristen Glover Belew, and the Miss OBU Board
AVA WEEKS TALENT AWARD
$500 SCHOLARSHIP in honor of Miss OBU 2025, Ava Weeks
KRISTEN GLOVER BELEW EVENING WEAR AWARD
$300 SCHOLARSHIP BY KEITH & MARY GLOVER in honor of Miss OBU 2011 and Miss Arkansas 2011, Kristen Glover Belew
SUZIE GRESHAM BARHAM ALPHA PRIVATE INTERVIEW AWARD
$250 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU 2016, Suzie Gresham Barham
MAC SISSON ALPHA TALENT AWARD
$250 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU 2016, Suzie Gresham Barham
ACADEMIC AWARD
$100 SCHOLARSHIP by the Miss OBU Board
SPIRIT OF MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY AWARD
$150 SCHOLARSHIP by the Ouachita Student Senate
PHOTOGENIC AWARD
$100 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU Board of Directors in honor of Dr. Wesley Kluck
TIFFANY LEE TERRELL MISS CONGENIALITY AWARD
$200 SCHOLARSHIP BY TONY & KELLY LEE in honor of Miss OBU 2017, Tiffany Lee Terrell
MARY SHAMBARGER NON-FINALIST TALENT AWARD
$250 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU 1967 and Miss Arkansas 1967, Sharon Evans Bale
RANCHINO-RILEY NON-FINALIST INTERVIEW AWARD
$250 SCHOLARSHIP by Miss OBU 1967 and Miss Arkansas 1967, Sharon Evans Bale
Special Thanks
THE MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY COMPETITION ORGANIZATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK:
S haron Anderson and Cindy Ford, Auditors
Sharon Evans Bale, Scholarship Donor
Suzie Gresham Barham, Scholarship Donor
Naomi Bates, JPAC Box Office
Kristen Glover Belew, Scholarship Donor
Matthew Correll and Evie Stake, Photographers
Kelli Lancaster Brown, KelZek Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Arkadelphia
Ashley Carozza, Christin Cole, Mallorie McEndree and James Taylor, Office of Communications & Marketing
Melissa Carozza, Miss OBU Board of Directors
Kristi Clay, Director of Business Services
Jacob Coon, A-Town Fitness, Arkadelphia, Sponsor
Madi Darr, By Madi Darr, Spray Tan Sponsor, Arkadelphia
Ashley Dillman, Ally Ballard, Kate Duddleston, Elias Errikson, Ethan Shadwick, Emily Claire Solieau and the Ouachita Student Senate, Sponsor
Brad Pierce, Joshua Engle and the Ouachita Student Media Team
Debbie Fleming, Miss Arkansas Field Director
Renee Fronabarger, Miss Arkansas Director of Operations
Keith & Mary Glover, Scholarship Donors
Lacy Glover, Miss Arkansas Executive Director
David Goodman, Mary & Martha’s Florist and Gifts, Arkadelphia, Sponsor
Kris Gravett, The Blushed Pearl Boutique, Arkadelphia, Sponsor
Olivia Hibbard, JPAC Director, and JPAC Crew
Dr. Wesley Kluck, Headshot Photographer
Tony & Kelly Lee, Scholarship Donors
Leigh Anne McKinney, Miss OBU Board of Directors
Miss Arkansas Competition Board of Directors
Joe Poye, Fairfield Inn of Arkadelphia, Sponsor
Stephen Raines, Raines Family Dental, Sponsor
Anna Roussel, Miss OBU Board of Directors, Social Media Manager
Renee Stone, Emerge, Conway, Wardrobe Sponsor
Tiffany Lee Terrell, Emcee
Ava Weeks, Court of Honor Director/Choreographer
Bobby Younger, Hamburger Barn, Arkadelphia, Sponsor of Judges’ Dinner
