Blackburn Institute

Student Fellow Crowned Miss UA

December 12, 2007

On the night of December 8th, Meri-Glenn Freeman, a 2007-2008 Blackburn Fellow, was crowned Miss University of Alabama 2008. Freeman, a junior from Vestavia Hills, is majoring in political science and public relations. Freeman’s future plans include attending law school and working with public policy within Alabama.

“Target Tutoring” is Freeman’s Miss America community service platform. “Target Tutoring” is an after school mentoring program for at-risk children. She works through the University Honors Program and has been with the program and these children for six semesters. Freeman serves as a student intern. She plans, coordinates, and runs the after school programs in three elementary schools in Tuscaloosa: Cottondale, Matthews, and Holt. Freeman said, “The program has netted remarkable results by helping to not only improve these children’s academics, but also help them set higher ambitions and goals for their own lives.” Freeman will continue to promote her platform in Tuscaloosa County, as well as in other schools across the state.

Freeman says that the Blackburn Institute has helped to fuel her own passion for the state of Alabama, especially her passion for the need for improvement in Alabama’s education system. Freeman said, “I have learned in depth about the troubles and obstacles facing our school systems, especially in poverty stricken areas.” She feels that the events, networks, and opportunities provided by the Blackburn Institute have truly helped her to serve her campus, community, and state better.

Freeman will receive a full tuition scholarship for her year of service as Miss University of Alabama, as well as book scholarships and numerous gifts. In June, she will go on to represent UA at the Miss Alabama Pageant in Birmingham, a Miss America preliminary program.

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.