Arkansas Tech University Set to Shine at Miss Arkansas Pageants

Hold onto your hats, folks, because Arkansas Tech University is about to take the Miss Arkansas stage by storm! Get ready to witness the brilliance, talent, and heart of seven incredible women with ties to ATU as they compete for the coveted Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas’ Teen titles.

Mark your calendars for June eighth through the fifteenth, because that’s when the magic goes down at Little Rock’s Robinson Center. With a mix of current students and alumnae, ATU is guaranteed to be well-represented. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!


Miss Arkansas: Where Brains and Beauty Meet

Get ready to meet some amazing young women who are about to blow you away. These contestants are the epitome of grace, intelligence, and a passion for making a difference. Let’s dive into the inspiring stories of the ATU alumnae and students vying for the Miss Arkansas crown:

Kristin Hardy: Miss Central Arkansas

Hailing from Benton, this twenty-three-year-old is no stranger to the spotlight. A recent graduate, Kristin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from ATU just last year. When she’s not charming audiences with her infectious energy, you can find her enchanting listeners with her impressive flute performances. But Kristin’s true passion lies in her community service initiative, “M.I.N.D.: Mental Illness Never Defines,” where she strives to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Hannah Lomax: Miss River Valley

This Russellville native is a true testament to the power of pursuing your passions. At twenty-three, Hannah is already a senior at ATU, double majoring in Biology (Biomedical Option) and Music – talk about a rockstar! Her talent? Playing the piano like it’s an extension of herself. But beyond her musical prowess, Hannah is deeply committed to spreading hope and encouragement through her community service initiative, “Letters of Hope.” She believes in the power of words to uplift and inspire, and she’s on a mission to share that belief with the world.

Kate Manuel: Miss Arkansas Tech University

Representing the university with pride and grace, twenty-one-year-old Kate is a Green Forest native and a senior at ATU, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. With a voice that could melt glaciers, Kate’s vocal performances are nothing short of captivating. But it’s her dedication to empowering others through education that truly sets her apart. Her community service initiative, “Si Se Puede: Empowerment Through Education,” focuses on providing resources and support to help students achieve their full potential.

Olivia McNeese: Miss Johnson County

Hold onto your hats, because this nineteen-year-old sophomore is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Lamar, Olivia is a Broadcast Journalism major at ATU with a voice that’ll stop you in your tracks. When she’s not gracing the airwaves, she’s captivating audiences with her powerful vocal performances. But Olivia is all about using her voice for good – her community service initiative, “Find Your Voice,” encourages others to speak up, embrace their individuality, and make a difference in the world.

Sophe Sligh: Miss Saline County

Talk about beauty and brains! This twenty-five-year-old Hot Springs native is a shining example of what it means to pursue your dreams with passion and purpose. A graduate from ATU’s Class of 2021, Sophe holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. But her talents don’t stop there – she’s also a gifted violinist who can make her instrument sing. With her community service initiative, “Live Smart for a Healthy Heart,” Sophe is on a mission to promote cardiovascular health and well-being.

Faith Tooke: Miss Southeast Arkansas

Get ready to be inspired by this twenty-year-old Warren native, who’s already making waves in the world of digital marketing. As a senior at ATU, Faith is a go-getter with a heart of gold and a voice that’ll give you chills. When she’s not hitting the books or belting out tunes on stage, Faith is dedicated to fighting hunger and food insecurity through her community service initiative, “From Hunger to Hope.” She believes that everyone deserves access to nutritious meals, and she’s working tirelessly to make that belief a reality.


A Rising Star: Introducing the ATU Freshman Vying for Miss Arkansas’ Teen

But wait, there’s more! ATU’s presence extends to the Miss Arkansas’ Teen competition as well, with an incoming freshman ready to steal the show:

Sophie Puckett: Miss Lights of the Delta Teen

Get ready to be amazed by this eighteen-year-old Jonesboro native, who’s about to trade her high school diploma for a spot in ATU’s freshman class this fall. Sophie is a triple threat – she’s smart, she’s talented, and she’s passionate about making a difference. When she’s not burning up the dance floor with her incredible tap dancing skills, Sophie is all about spreading kindness and compassion through her community service initiative, “Helping Other People Every Day.” She believes that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, and she’s committed to making the world a better place, one good deed at a time.


ATU: A Legacy of Empowerment and Success

These seven remarkable women are a testament to the values instilled at Arkansas Tech University. ATU is more than just a university – it’s a community that fosters growth, empowers individuals to embrace their passions, and encourages them to use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.

As these incredible women grace the Miss Arkansas stage, let’s cheer them on and celebrate their accomplishments. Win or lose, they’ve already proven themselves to be role models for young people everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a compassionate heart, anything is possible.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making! For more information about the Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas’ Teen competitions, visit www.missarkansas.org.