Marketing

Increasing Scholarship

One of the main areas of focus of my marketing plan is to add in-kind scholarships from professional schools. I came to the University of Alabama on an in-kind scholarship agreement, and I see this as my opportunity to pay it forward!

The Foundation For This Work

As Miss Florida's Teen, I secured over $60,000 in in-kind tuition scholarships from Florida State University and Gulf Coast State College. Now, over 6 years later, those scholarships are still being offered to Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Teen. Those agreements are linked here.

The skills I developed through that process have allowed me to approach institutions with confidence and accurately communicate the possibility of a mutually beneficial relationship between the Miss America Opportunity and professional schools across the nation.

University of Alabama School of Law

As Miss Alabama, I have secured a letter of intent from UA Law pledging a tuition scholarship to Miss Alabama, should she be admitted to their program. This is the first law school scholarship agreement in the Miss America Organization, but it is just the start! I plan to use this framework and skillset to approach professional schools across the nation, so that every professional degree is represented in Miss America's in-kind scholarship offerings!

Elevating the Role of a State Titleholder

With the passage of Alabama House Bill 407 and the upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration marking 250 years since the founding of the United States, Miss Alabama is entering a unique responsibility and opportunity. At a time when many young Americans are fatigued by divisive polarization, Miss Alabama is uniquely positioned to promote a form of patriotism that feels constructive, service-oriented, and palatable to a new generation while representing Alabama at civic and ceremonial events across the state.

Alabama House Bill 407

Alabama House Bill 407 formally designates the titleholder of Miss Alabama as an Official State Ambassador. The legislation states: “Relating to state government; to designate the titleholder of Miss Alabama as an Official State Ambassador; to provide the term of service; to provide duties and limitations on authority; and to authorize state agencies to coordinate with an Official State Ambassador for ceremonial purposes” (Alabama House Bill 407, 2026). This designation promotes Miss Alabama as a highly visible representative of the state at civic, educational, and ceremonial events.

America250 and the Semiquincentennial Celebration

The timing of this legislation is especially significant as the United States prepares for the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, through the national America250 Initiative. This initiative encourages states and communities to celebrate American history while promoting civic education, service, and public engagement for the next generation. Through the Miss Alabama Organization’s partnership with the American Village, there is already a strong foundation for meaningful involvement in these efforts across Alabama.

My Preparation for State Ambassadorship

I am prepared and excited to contribute to both initiatives. Over the last year, I have performed the national anthem at more than 25 municipal, civic, and sporting events across the state of Alabama, including naturalization ceremonies that celebrated the promise of American citizenship firsthand. It would be an absolute joy to continue representing my state and nation as Miss Alabama while building on these partnerships and acting as a resource and asset to their goals.

Beyond public appearances, I also bring experience working alongside large professional and institutional bodies throughout Alabama. As Miss University of Alabama 2025 and President of 57 Miles, I have collaborated with organizations including the National Alumni Association, the Division of Community Affairs, and research institutions at the University of Alabama. Those experiences have strengthened my skills in communication, partnership-building, event coordination, and community engagement, all of which are essential to the demands of state ambassadorship. I believe those experiences, combined with a genuine love for Alabama and its people, have prepared me well to represent our state during this historic moment.

My Magnum Opus

This year, I completed a literature review that identified common challenges for service learning initiatives on university campuses. Out of this research came a model for University Sponsored Service Learning Initiatives that is student led, low budget, and intentionally scoped.

57 Miles

57 Miles was the pilot organization for this model. Using what I learned, I designed 57 miles with an apprenticeship leadership model to withstand student turnover, low overhead programming, and a framework that keeps our work focused and ethical. This design proved very successful and allowed us to garner support form university and community partners.

Expansion

Now, this proven model has gained traction at other colleges and universities in Alabama. With ethical service learning and retention being a core focus of almost every educational institution in the state, this model is not only useful, but timely!

Ruby Tilghman

Ruby Tilghman, Miss Alabama

Miss America Marketing Plan