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Christine Kozlowski’s calendar is filling up quick, as one might expect for the winner of the Miss Mississippi Pageant.
A myriad of press conferences, photo shoots and special appearances, including a visit to the floor of the State Senate to hear a resolution commending her for her achievement, await The University of Southern Mississippi sophomore from D’Iberville. But for now, she’s just trying to get used to her new title. “I’m kind of overwhelmed,” said Kozlowski, who earned the title Saturday night in Vicksburg. “I just haven’t had time to let it sink in. It’s been very eventful.” A nutrition and dietetics major at Southern Miss, Kozlowski has made diabetes education and prevention her platform since she became active in pageants. At age 11, she dedicated herself to learning more about the disease after her mother was diagnosed with it. Recently, she lost a grandmother to complications from diabetes, and other family members have been affected. She helped form Diabetes Advocates Nourishing Children’s Education (DANCE) to promote education about and prevention of the disease among young people. With her newfound celebrity status, she has more channels to deliver her message. “Of course I want to win the title (of Miss America),” she said. “It would give me another year to dedicate to my platform and to promote the Children’s Miracle Network (the national platform for Miss America the last two years).” At Southern Miss, she wasted no time getting involved in campus activities as a freshman. She performed with the Southern Miss Dance Team at athletic events, which she credits for helping her get ready for pageant competition. She also joined the Student Dietetic Association, served on both Freshman Council and the Student Athletic Activities Council and volunteered with the campus chapter of First Book, which promotes literacy among area youth. She is a member of both Alpha Lambda Delta and Lambda Sigma honor societies.
Kozlowski says she’s honored to represent Southern Miss in her new role as Miss Mississippi. “I loved Southern Miss from the moment I got here for Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend,” she said, and points to the university’s diversity as its greatest strength. “We have students from different countries, different cultures and different ethnic backgrounds. That helps one gain a greater understanding and respect for people from all walks of life,” she said. Kozlowski will spend the next six months preparing for the Miss America Pageant while also keeping up with her demanding schedule. “Christine is a person of great ability,” said Southern Miss Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul. “She will be a wonderful representative not only for Mississippi, but for the university as well. We're very proud and excited for her.” About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.
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