Miss Ouachita Baptist University Kristen Glover was crowned Miss Arkansas 2011 on Saturday, July 16, at Summit Arena in Hot Springs.
It was a memorable Ouachita moment as Glover, a 2011 Ouachita graduate, was crowned by outgoing Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady, a 2010 Ouachita alumna. Adding to the university’s tradition of success in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, this marks the fifth time that a reigning Miss OBU has been named Miss Arkansas and the 10th time that a Ouachita student or alum has been awarded the state crown.
“Kristen Glover is a young woman distinguished by discipline, zeal, commitment and excellence in every area of life,” said Ouachita Baptist University President Rex Horne. “Ouachita could have no better ambassador. Now Arkansas will benefit by Kristen’s grace and character.”
Justin Harper and Kirt Thomas, Ouachita alumni who serve as executive directors of the Miss Ouachita Baptist University Pageant, affirmed Glover’s selection as Miss Arkansas.
“Kristen represented the Miss Ouachita Baptist University scholarship organization with beauty and grace and captured the judges’ hearts to garner the title of Miss Arkansas 2011,” they emphasized. “We couldn’t be more proud of Kristen’s work ethic and determination. She will be an incredible representative for not only Arkansas, but also Ouachita.”
Glover, the daughter of Keith and Mary Glover of Stuttgart, graduated magna cum laude from Ouachita in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She will represent Arkansas in the 2012 Miss America Pageant in January in Las Vegas.
Glover, 21, will tour the state for the next year promoting her platform issue of “Second Chances: Empowering Youth to Rise Above” as well as the Children’s Miracle Network. Following her year as Miss Arkansas, she plans to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy.
In a series of media appearances and interviews since the pageant, Glover said the moment her name was announced as Miss Arkansas “was just unreal.”
“I had worked so hard for that week,” said Glover, who was competing in her third Miss Arkansas Pageant and was named third runner-up last year. “It was absolutely incredible to see all of that work finally pay off.
“I would love to travel across Arkansas speaking about my platform which is basically focused on mentoring,” she said, noting “how important it is for us to pour into and invest in my generation.”
In addition to being crowned Miss Arkansas, Glover received the crowd favorite award, interview award and lifestyle & fitness award as well as preliminary awards for lifestyle & fitness and evening gown. For the talent portion of the competition, she tap danced to an arrangement of “I Got Rhythm.”
Active in campus and community service during her years at Ouachita, Glover served as student recruitment co-chair of the Ouachita Student Foundation and Tiger Tunes director for Tri Chi women’s social club. She also was involved in the American Chemical Society and intramural sports. A Ouachita Scholar, she was named to the Ouachita President’s List and Dean’s List and was a recipient of the Mondy-Provine Chemistry Scholarship. A member of First Baptist Church of Stuttgart, Glover also volunteered with the Promise House, the Courage House and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
After being named Miss OBU in February, Glover said, “Ouachita has instilled within me a desire to serve, and I have been inspired by so many professors, staff and fellow students who truly make a difference through service. This university has helped form me into the woman I am today.”
Three of this year’s Top 10 Miss Arkansas participants have reigned as Miss OBU, including Glover; first runner-up Lauren English, a 2010 Ouachita alum; and semi-finalist Bethany Whitfield, a 2011 Ouachita grad. Candace Carr, an incoming Ouachita freshman, also finished in the Top 10.
Additionally, 2011 OBU graduate Abby Turner was named Miss Congeniality. Cortnie DeVore, a 2011 OBU grad who served on last year’s Miss Arkansas Court of Honor, also competed in this year’s pageant.
Among other awards, English won the Miss America Community Service Award and the Tony Bowls/Mon Cheri People’s Choice Award, Whitfield won the Miss America State Scholar Award and Turner was named the Bob Wheeler Spirit of the Pageant award winner. Participants were awarded a total of more than $75,000 in scholarships during the annual competition.
By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications
