Jackie Wilson Crowned Miss W

In 1975, when Jackie Wilson was crowned Miss W, it marked an important turning point in the history of the university’s integration.  This was the first time a black woman was selected as the public “face” of institution.  The Miss W Pageant was the local chapter preliminary to the Miss America Pageant, making Wilson MUW’s official representative at the Miss Mississippi Pageant. 

Wilson was voted a Class Favorite in 1975.  In 1976, she was in the Hall of Fame and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. 

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Jackie Wilson crowned by Kathy Poole, 1975.
Mississippi University for Women Archives. Meh Lady Collection.

Jackie Wilson Photo, 1976.
Mississippi University for Women Archives. Meh Lady Collection.