New Miss Georgia Southern University crowned at 75th annual scholarship competition
Jillian Higgins, a junior psychology major from Columbus, Georgia, was crowned Miss Georgia Southern University 2023 at the 75th annual Miss Georgia Southern University scholarship competition on Feb. 4.
Higgins has competed in Miss America Organization events since she was 13 and credits significant personal growth to the organization. It has been a dream for Higgins to one day represent her university.
“I have always wanted to represent my university,” Higgins said. “This school has become a home to me and I wanted nothing more than the chance to honor our school and share my love of it and the Miss America Organization. I wanted the chance to hold this title while I was still in my undergrad in order to truly bond and relate to the majority of our students.”
Higgins has held multiple leadership positions in her sorority Kappa Delta, serves on the Panhellenic Association, and participates as a professional dancer in Dancing with the Statesboro Stars. Higgins will go on to represent the University at the Miss Georgia Competition in June.
“Being chosen as the new Miss Georgia Southern University is the best feeling ever,” Higgins said. “I hope to make you all proud during my year of service and I hope to help every student feel welcome and appreciated in any way I can. The people who make up this University are some of the most outstanding individuals and I am more than honored to have some part in representing our University.”
Higgins competed against nine other contestants for the crown. The competition also included titles for:
- 1st Runner-Up: Shekina Williams
- 2nd Runner-Up: Vanessa Montes
- Best Talent: Jillian Higgins
- Best Evening Wear: Jillian Higgins
- Miss Congeniality: Shekina Williams
- Miss Photogenic: Azariah Sherrod
- People's Choice: Allison Hughes
As part of the celebration of the competition’s 75th anniversary, past title holders were invited back, with some participating as this year’s judges. Forever Miss Georgia Southern University title holders include:
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2023, Jillian Higgins
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2022, Allie Griffis
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2016, Harley (Strickland) Smith
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2015, Megan Johnson
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2012, Charlene Bibeau
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2009, Noelle Singleton
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2008, Jessica Allen
- Miss Georgia Southern University 2003; Erika (Brayboy) Collier
- Miss Georgia Southern University 1978, Carla (McMillian) Bray
The competition was sponsored by KC Lash Studio, Annie's Nails, Fraziers Flowers, 180 Fitness, 67 Styles Salon, Frills by Scott, Howard Bead Boutique, Southern River Co., Jaxe & Grace Boutique, Brazil's Waxing Center, Daylight Donuts, Three Tree Coffee Roasters and Awards South.