Pre-Med Junior Crowned Miss University of Alabama 2025

Ruby Tilghman was crowned Miss University of Alabama 2025 Sept. 14 at the Bama Theatre. She is a junior from Panama City, Florida, on the pre-med track majoring in chemistry.

Tilghman hopes to pursue a career in pediatric neurology, eventually completing a fellowship in movement disorders. She is currently an Honors College student and undergraduate researcher in the Summers Lab, working to develop high-value pharmaceutical intermediates.

While her academics focus on science, Tilghman is also passionate about the arts and making them accessible to everyone. She shared a few words about her community service initiative and her plans for the next year as Miss University of Alabama.

What is your community service initiative and why is it so important to you?

I began playing piano at age eight and fell in love with the art. I was fortunate to have gifted teachers who fostered a love for music in me from my first lesson to my last recital. As I matured, I was burdened knowing that access to music education was a privilege that was not available to all.

In 2017, I founded Many Mini Musicians, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to fund fine arts in public schools and create opportunities for students to experience the arts! Over the last seven years, I have raised over $50,000 that has been distributed through grants to public school fine arts programs, and over $100,000 through partner organizations.

While the grants funded through my program are very important to our mission and everyday operation, Many Mini Musicians also provides instruments to local school music programs, hosts concerts to give young performers an opportunity to shine on stage, provides instruments and sheet music to students in foster care, hosts fine arts camp at after school assistance programs and assists with funding a local public library’s music room.  

How did you get interested in this type of competition?

I grew up watching Miss America with my mom and always dreamed of one day competing on the Miss America stage. At 13, I took my first step into the Miss America Organization and eventually won the title of Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen in 2021. I believe it was my time in the Miss America Organization that gave me the skills and confidence to build my life here at The University of Alabama.

I decided to compete for Miss UA because to me, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give back to two organizations that have given me so much, both the Miss America Organization and The University of Alabama.  

What are some of your goals for your year of service as Miss UA?

As Miss University of Alabama 2025, I hope to continue my work with Many Mini Musicians, expand College Ready Marion to a digital format to increase accessibility to college readiness resources for students in the Black Belt of Alabama and reinvigorate 57 Miles, an Honors College initiative that aims to give UA students an opportunity to serve in the Black Belt of Alabama and benefit from its rich culture, history and community.

During my time at UA, I have had life-changing opportunities to engage in community outreach and grow in knowledge of the community I now call home. I want nothing more than for every student to have the same opportunity and experience the joy of service.  

The Miss University of Alabama Court includes:

Fourth Alternate – Rylie Dewley ($1,100 scholarship)

Third Alternate – Abby Sosa ($1,400 scholarship)

Second Alternate – Imani Muse ($1,700 scholarship)

First Alternate – Elaina Burt ($2,000 scholarship)

Additional awards given during the Miss UA competition:

People’s Choice: Maddi Heath, ($500 scholarship)

Social Media Challenge: Rylie Dewley, ($500 scholarship)

Tilghman also won the Spirit of Alabama Leadership and Community Service ($500 scholarship), the Talent award ($500 scholarship) and tied with Elaina Burt for Evening Gown/On-Stage Conversation, earning each of them a $500 scholarship.

Earning the title of Miss UA, Tilghman will receive a full-tuition UA scholarship for one year, book scholarships from the Supe Store and gifts and services from sponsors valued at approximately $30,000.

The Miss University of Alabama competition is an official preliminary to the Miss Alabama and Miss America competitions and is sponsored by The University of Alabama Alumni Association.