On November 9, McKinley Hubbard, a junior majoring in Kinesiology - Exercise Science, was crowned the 43rd Miss University of Alabama at Birmingham.

UAB’s Student Involvement and Leadership hosted the annual scholarship competition the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall. This year, six contestants showcased their unique talents, personalities, and grace.

The mistress of ceremony for the event was Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025 and Miss UAB 2023, who started the night with the on-stage interview portion, with each contestant being asked about their community service initiatives.

Hubbard captivated the audience with a piano rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, securing this year’s Talent Award .

This year, the competition awarded more than $5,300 in scholarship awards to the winner, alternates, and special award recipients. After the farewell walk of Miss UAB 2025 Melissa Mercer, Hubbard, was crowned Miss UAB 2026. In addition to the Talent Award, she also received the Miss Congeniality Award, a $2,500 scholarship, and other prizes that will aid her in the Miss Alabama Competition next summer.

The Miss UAB Competition was established in 1983. Since 1993, the event has been an official preliminary competition to the Miss Alabama and Miss America pageants.

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