Alea Hudson Crowned Miss University of Southern Mississippi

Wed, 11/12/2025 - 01:58pm | By: Dr. David Tisdale

Alea Hudson, a junior at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) majoring in broadcast journalism, was crowned Miss University of Southern Mississippi 2026 at the 80^th edition of the scholarship pageant, held Nov. 8 on the Hattiesburg campus. She will advance to the Miss Mississippi Pageant, set for next summer in Vicksburg.

The event was presented by the Southern Miss Student Government Association (SGA).

Hudson, a native of New Albany, Miss., graduated from Itawamba Community College with high honors before transferring to Southern Miss. At the university, she is a Keystone Scholar, an active member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and vice chair of the SGA Election Commission. Her career aspirations include becoming a sports broadcaster for ESPN.

“Being crowned the 80^th Miss University of Southern Mississippi still feels so surreal,” said Hudson. “It’s truly the honor of a lifetime to represent a university that has shaped me so deeply and given me a home I love so much.”

Hudson’s community service initiative, Dreams Within Reach, was inspired by her late grandmother, who taught her that no dream is ever too far away to chase. Through this initiative, Hudson empowers young girls across Mississippi to embrace their potential and pursue their goals with confidence, grace, and resilience.

For Hudson, the title of Miss University of Southern Mississippi 2026 is about “so much more than a crown; it’s a calling to serve.”

“As Miss USM, I’m excited to continue sharing my community service initiative and look forward to connecting with schools and communities across Mississippi to remind others that their goals are always within reach,” Hudson said.

Southern Miss Assistant Dean of Students Daniel Rigel, who served as local director for the pageant, said Hudson “personifies the bold, outgoing spirit of being a Golden Eagle.”

“We’re all thrilled to have Alea serve as our 2026 Miss USM and excited to start preparing for Miss Mississippi 2026,” he added.

Over the next few months, Hudson’s goal is to prepare for Miss Mississippi with “excellence and grace, carrying the pride, values and Golden Eagle spirit of Southern Miss with me every step of the way.”

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to represent my university and my hometown on the state stage,” she said.

Click here for information about the Miss Mississippi Pageant.