After a months-long application and orientation process–including mock interviews, rehearsals, and a day of service–six candidates gathered on the stage of the Alys Stephens Center on Sunday evening to compete for the Miss UAB 2026 crown. McKinley Hubbard, a junior majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was the winner of the 2026 Miss UAB Scholarship Competition held on November 9 at 5:30 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jamison Concert Hall. Hubbard also received the Talent Award and was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Anna Grace Deason, a senior Public Health major, was named first runner-up, and Landry Mavar, a sophomore Health Care Management major, earned second runner-up honors and the Spirit Award.

Now in its 43rd year, the Miss UAB Scholarship Competition continues to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and service. “Throughout its 43-year history, the Miss UAB Scholarship Competition has championed the need and value of higher education for women,” said Jennifer Griffin, director of the UAB Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. “We are proud that UAB continues to support education, leadership, and community service.”

John R. Jones III, vice president of the UAB Division of Student Affairs, praised the participants for their dedication and poise. “What these ladies gain from this experience is much more than a moment in the spotlight,” Jones said. “They are talented, strong and independent, and display a leadership quality of which we can all be proud.”

As she passed the crown, Melissa Mercer, Miss UAB 2025, reflected on her year of service. “Because of UAB and this program, I walk off this stage tonight a different woman,” Mercer said. “There has been no greater honor than to serve this community as Miss UAB.”