Reese Worthington Crowned Miss A-State in 51st Annual Competition

11/06/2025

JONESBORO - Reese Worthington was crowned Miss Arkansas State University 2026 in front of a packed crowd Wednesday night in Riceland Hall in Fowler Center during the 51st edition of the competition, presented by Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.

"I'm beyond excited. I knew that whenever I came to Arkansas State, God put me here for a reason, and I firmly believe that this is a part of my journey and the reason I'm meant to be here," said Worthington.

Worthington is a freshman accounting major with a concentration in certified public accountancy from Bonne Terre, Mo. She performed a dance to "At Last" by Etta James as her talent. Her community service initiative, "Safe Bites," aims to raise awareness and advocate for individuals with food allergies. She was sponsored by Red Wolves Dancers. Worthington was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from A-State, in addition to other gifts and prizes from sponsors.

"Miss A-State is a voice for her students, teachers and community and for her to get to use this title for good is such a blessing to get to watch and be a part of," said Ellie Stafford Smith, executive director of the pageant and Miss A-State 2019.

First runner-up was announced as MaryBeth Olivia Penter. She is a sophomore from Trumann majoring in radiologic sciences with a minor in disaster preparedness and emergency management. MaryBeth received an $800 scholarship, a silver tray and a bouquet of roses from Pi Kappa Alpha. She was sponsored by Alpha Omicron Pi.

Second runner-up was Shawna Whitehurst, a sophomore strategic communication major with a minor in multimedia journalism from Jonesboro. Whitehurst received a $500 scholarship, a silver tray and a bouquet of roses from Pi Kappa Alpha. She is sponsored by Alpha Gamma Delta.

Third-runner up was Paisley Rea, a sophomore communication disorders major from Benton. She received a $250 scholarship, a silver tray and a bouquet of roses from Pi Kappa Alpha. Rea was sponsored by Chi Omega.

Fourth-runner up was Veronika Jergenson. She is a senior business administration major with a minor in military science and leadership from Malvern. She received a $100 scholarship, a bouquet of roses and a silver tray from Pi Kappa Alpha. Jergenson was sponsored by Howl's Heroes.

• Miss Congeniality Award: Alexia Loudermilk, a freshman animal science major from Trumann, received a $200 scholarship. Her community service initiative, "H.U.S.H. - Hear Us, Support Hashimoto's," brings awareness to the autoimmune disease.
• On Stage Conversation Award: Paisley Rea received a $200 scholarship.
• People's Choice Award: MaryBeth Olivia Penterreceived a $100 scholarship.
• Social Media Promotions Award: Paisley Rea received a $200 scholarship.
• Talent Award: Tessa Yielding, a junior communication disorders major with a minor in theater from Sherwood. She received a $200 scholarship for her performance of "Gimme Gimme" from the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Her community service initiative is 'S.T.A.Y.,' spreading awareness and education on suicide.

The competition featured 14 contestants. Some had previous pageant experience, while many were participating for the first time.

"It is so much fun to watch college women stretch far out of their comfort zone to be a part of such a big and fun event as Miss Arkansas State University. It is so incredible to see how much they grow just from this pageant and to see how rewarded they feel after competing," said Smith.

Worthington says she's eager to put her community service initiative into action.

"I hope to spread my platform, and make students who are coming into Arkansas State with a food allergy feel safer. I know I kinda went in blind, but I think through my platform, and advocating for everyone, that we'll make the transition a lot smoother," Worthington said.

The scholarship competition is an official preliminary contest of Miss Arkansas. Worthington will begin preparing for the contest, held annually in Little Rock in June. She not only has the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Arkansas, but also to win $300,000 in scholarships and prizes.

The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at A-State began sponsoring the Miss Arkansas State University competition in 1975, building a lasting history and legacy with the support of those who helped make it possible from the very beginning, such as Tim O. Brown.

"This pageant is far more than just a pageant. It provides young women the opportunity to receive a college education without the financial weight of loans and debt, while also preparing them for a career after college. The interview skills, confidence and relationships that they gain can change the trajectory of their career and life, and that is what makes this organization so special," said Smith.

To keep up with her journey this year, follow the @MissAState page on Instagram.

Reese Worthington Miss Arkansas State University 2026.