2008 Miss UA Meri-Glenn Freeman (center) is shown with contestants (L-R) Kelley Brown-3rd alternate, Abby Vaughan-1st alternate, Katy Montalto-2nd alternate and Christy Pair-4th alternate. Download a high-resolution version

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Meri-Glenn Freeman, a junior at The University of Alabama from Vestavia Hills majoring in political science and public relations, has been selected Miss UA for 2008.

She will represent the University at the Miss Alabama Pageant in Birmingham in June.

Freeman’s career goal is to attend law school and work with public policy in the state. She is a University Honors student and a member of the Blackburn Institute, the Student Government Association and Chi Omega Sorority. She also serves as a volunteer with Tuscaloosa’s Boys and Girls Clubs. Her Miss America community service platform issue is “Target Tutoring” which she will promote throughout elementary and middle schools in the Tuscaloosa area and across the state.

Sponsored by the UA National Alumni Association, the Miss UA Program remains the largest and one of the most competitive Miss Alabama/Miss America preliminary programs in the Southeast. The winner receives a full-tuition scholarship for her year of service, book scholarships and numerous other gifts from area businesses, alumni and Alabama fans.

Freeman said she looks forward to her year of service to the University and the opportunity to represent UA at the Miss Alabama competition and at various other events throughout the year.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.