OXFORD, Miss. – An impressive onstage presence earned
University of Mississippi senior Mary Brandon Norman the
title of Miss University 2008 Wednesday evening at the Ford
Center for Performing Arts.
“I am so honored to be chosen as Miss University,” Norman
said. Besides winning the crown, Norman also won the
swimsuit category, which earned her a total of more than
$2,000 in scholarships.
Norman, a pharmacy major from Sumrall, is the daughter of
Banks and Patrice Norman. She is active in the campus
chapter of the American Pharmacists Association, Delta
Gamma and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Jennifer Taylor, director of campus programming, said it
was exciting to work with Miss University. “A lot of hard
work goes into the pageant, and I know that (Mary Brandon)
will do a phenomenal job representing Ole Miss,” Taylor
said.
As Miss University, Norman plans to promote her platform:
Brightening the Future through Mentoring.
“It’s important for our younger children to have positive
influences,” Norman said.
Norman competed with eight other contestants in the
categories of swimsuit, interview, talent and evening
gown.
Kimberley Perry of Tupelo, a biochemistry and English
major, was chosen first alternate and received a $1,000
scholarship. Her parents are Les and Faye Perry.
Katherine Barkett of Brandon, a sophomore marketing
communications major, was named second alternate. She also
won the talent category and received $850 in scholarships.
Pageant competition is not new to Norman, as she has
previously held the title of Miss Hattiesburg and competed
in the 2007 Miss Mississippi pageant.
She will compete in the Miss Mississippi pageant again on
June 28 in Vicksburg. “I’m really excited to return to Miss
Mississippi,” Norman said. “It is a great honor and I hope
that I can represent Ole Miss well.”
For more information, call 662-915-1044 or visit
http://www.olemiss.edu/student?life/campus?programming/.