Burdine, Wilkins named Miss, Mr. MUW
Graduating seniors Sasha Burdine, a business major, and Ethan Wilkins, a biology major, have been named Miss and Mr. MUW for the 2025-26 academic year.
The awards are part of the graduating class Hall of Fame, and winners are elected by their peers.
“Being named Miss MUW means a lot to me because, since my first semester as a freshman, I’ve dedicated myself fully — joining sports, sororities, multiple organizations and holding campus jobs,” Burdine said. “It shows that with hard work and determination, you can make time for what matters and break the ‘too busy’ stereotype.”
For Wilkins, the honor reflects his dedication to The W and its campus community.
“It represents the relationships I’ve built, the service I’ve been able to do and the impact this university has had on my life,” he said. “It’s an honor to represent a place that has given me so much.”
Both students were heavily involved on campus during their time at The W.
Burdine served as an orientation leader; secretary for Mamselle Social Club; vice president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.; president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council chapter; Owlettes vice president; a member of the Student Government Association and Student Programming Board; a student-athlete in basketball and volleyball; and a student worker. She also participated in numerous campus organizations.
Wilkins served as Student Government Association president, Baptist Student Union president, Brotherhood of Beta Kappa Tau president and Honors Student Council vice president.
He participated in numerous community service projects, including Project H.O.O.T. Day of Service, an event he helped found and maintain.
“One of my favorite memories has definitely been helping create and lead Project H.O.O.T.,” Wilkins said. “Seeing students come together to serve both campus and the community was really special. Watching something that started as an idea turn into a meaningful tradition at The W is something I’ll always be proud of.”
Both graduates are looking to the future and have outlined their next steps.
Burdine plans to pursue a career in human resources, a field she said her time at The W has prepared her well for.
“Human resources is centered around building positive relationships and effective communication, and my various roles on campus have helped me develop strong communication skills and other abilities essential for a successful career in HR,” she said.
Wilkins plans to continue his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, where he will work toward becoming a physician.
“The W has prepared me in so many ways,” he said. “Academically, it challenged me and gave me a strong foundation for medical school. Beyond that, the leadership opportunities, mentorship from faculty and experiences outside the classroom helped me grow into a more confident and well-rounded person.”