MISS UGA

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The Miss University of Georgia Pageant is a program that has existed for over 100 years on campus. The 2025 pageant was held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 and Ella Ryann Cottrell was crowned as the 2025 Miss UGA. Applications for the 2026 pageant will be available beginning September 30, 2025 and the pageant will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The Miss UGA Pageant is an official Miss America Preliminary and is sponsored by the Department of Engagement, Leadership and Service.

INFORMATION FOR CONTESTANTS

The Miss University of Georgia Pageant is open to any UGA woman who will be enrolled in the 2025-2026 school year. Applications open September 30, 2025 and close December 12, 2025. A $75 (non-refundable) entry fee will be due on December 12.

Why Participate?

Applause? – Receive recognition for your efforts and your community
Personal Development – Gain valuable experience and develop life skills
Crown & Awards – Receive a scholarship toward tuition and a crown/sash
Adventure – Represent your University & Community – make personal appearences.
Sisterhood! Make new friends with other like-minded motivated women.
Growth – Foster a positive, self-motivated mindset to achieve your goals.

Eligibility

Age- 18-28: Must be no older than 28 on September 30, 2026 and no younger than 18 on September 1, 2026.
Be a United States Citizen
Single
No legal dependents
Be a University of Georgia student enrolled both fall and spring semester of the 2025-2026 school year.

What I need to know and do to Enter?

Submit an application prior to December 12, 2025
Pay a $75 entry fee no later than December 12, 2025
Go to Forms and Information – print out and complete the required forms – bring them to a required contestant meeting on January 11, 2026.

What is involved in Participation

The Miss UGA Pageant will consist of several phases of competition to be judged by a panel of five men and women
- Private 10 minute interview
- On-Stage competition
  - Talent (90 seconds)
  - Health & Fitness
  - Evening Gown
  - On Stage Conversation
There will be an interest meeting held on Sunday, November 8, 2025 at 2:30 in room 482 Tate Center.
Contestants will be required to attend an orientation meeting and 2 rehearsals held in January prior to the pageant
The $75 (non-refundable) entry fee must be paid no later than December 12, 2025.

What if I win the Pageant?

Register with the Miss America Organization and pay a small fee within 2 weeks of crowning
Pay a small donation the American Heart Association Spotfund within 2 weeks of crowning
Meet with Jerry Anthony to sign a Miss UGA winner’s agreement and follow up meetings periodically
Have headshots taken for the Miss Georgia Pageant within 4 weeks of crowning
Attend a two-day Miss Georgia Forum meeting in Columbus, GA the first weekend in March (expenses paid by the Miss UGA Pageant)
Fulfil all appearance obligations as Miss University of Georgia
Set up social media accounts if necessary
Compete in the Miss Georgia Pageant in June which will require you to:
- Complete all necessary participant paperwork and submit on time
- Purchase a fitness outfit from Rebel Athletics
- Sell at least 2 ads for the Miss Georgia Pageant program book
- Pay a housing fee (contestants stay in Columbus State University dorms)
- Raise additional money for a Spotfund to the American Heart Association
- Attend weekly or bi-weekly Coffee & Crowns zoom meetings with Miss GA CEO
Assist with planning and participate in the 2027 Miss University of Georgia Pageant

MEET MISS UGA

Ella Ryann Cottrell is the 2025 Miss University of Georgia. She is a 20 year old second year student from Madison, Georgia studying Regenerative Bioscience. Her career ambition is to attend Dental School, obtain her DMD and also own her own floral design company. For her talent she performed an acoustic vocal. Her community service initiative (CSI) is “Nourish Athens: Empowering Youth and Families for a Healthier Future” by providing nutritious meals, education, and healthy eating habits in the Athens area. She competed in the Miss Georgia Pageant this past June and was a preliminary talent winner.