The 2008 Miss UA contestants include: (front row, L-R), Jane Bailey Patterson, Rebekah Steelman, Fielding Stomps, Crystal Bynum, Christina Roach, Kelley Brown, Gabrielle Martin, Molly Ann Savoy, Priscilla Williams, Claire O’Rear, Emily Amick, (back row, L-R) Abby Vaughan, Jennifer Marshall, Katy Montalto, Caycyn Grant, Elizabeth Wilkes, Abby Lee Harmon, Meri-Glenn Freeman, Laura Beth Oliver, Mallory Meissner, Christy Pair, (not pictured, Whitney Bell, Ashley J. Moore, Erin Hogue). Download a high-resolution version

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The 2008 Miss University of Alabama competition will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in Morgan Hall Auditorium on the UA campus.

With the reputation of being one of the most competitive Miss Alabama preliminary programs in the state, the 2008 Miss UA Program will have 24 contestants competing in the categories of private interview, swimsuit/physical fitness, talent, evening wear and on-stage question.

The winner will go on to represent UA at the 2008 Miss Alabama Pageant in Birmingham in June. Additionally, she will receive a full-tuition scholarship for her year of service and numerous gifts.

Tickets may be purchased from any contestant or in the lobby of Morgan Hall the night of the pageant.

The contestants include:

Laura Beth Oliver of Russellville, sponsored by Phi Mu

Molly Ann Savoy of Tishomingo, Miss., sponsored by John and Janet Savoy and FATE

Priscilla Williams of Ridgeland, Miss., sponsored by Pi Beta Phi

Elizabeth Wilkes of Tuscaloosa, sponsored by a friend of the University

Jane Bailey Patterson of Vestavia Hills, sponsored by The Policy Exchange Foundation and FATE

Mallory Meissner of Tuscaloosa, sponsored by Pi Beta Phi

Abby Lee Harmon of Madison, sponsored by FATE

Whitney Bell of Mobile, sponsored by FATE

Crystal Bynum of Fayette, sponsored by NaChasity Kimbrell

Ashley J. Moore of Pell City, sponsored by FATE

Emily Amick of Anniston, sponsored by Longleaf Style, Josephine Ayers

Abby Vaughan of Phenix City, sponsored by Duke and Crissy Vaughan

Christina Roach of Trussville, sponsored by Alpha Omicron Pi

Katy Montalto of Trussville, sponsored by Daniel A. Lincoln

Meri-Glenn Freeman of Vestavia Hills, sponsored by Bariatric Health and Wellness

Rebekah Steelman of Birmingham, sponsored by Sonja Steelman

Caycyn Grant of Pell City, sponsored by family and friends

Fielding Stomps of Tuscaloosa, sponsored by Sarahland Kennels

Jennifer Marshall of Albertville, sponsored by Bruce and Martha Pritchard

Claire O’Rear of Jasper, sponsored by New College

Kelly Brown of Brent, sponsored by Edward and Vicki Brown and Alpha Psi Omega

Christy Pair of Trussville, sponsored by Camp Bridges

Erin Hogue of Roswell, Ga., sponsored by Roy Griffin, Century 21

Gabrielle Martin of Metropolis, Ill., sponsored by Lillie’s Hallmark and Humma’s Drug

For more information on the 2008 Miss UA Program, contact Carol Wright, director, at 205/752-3774.

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.