Birmingham Native Crowned Miss University of Alabama 2026

Hailey Adams was crowned Miss University of Alabama 2026 Oct. 10 at the Bama Theatre. She is a junior from Birmingham majoring in public relations on the CREATE Path to MBA.

Adams is a member of the Blackburn Institute, director of strategic initiatives for UA’s Student Government Association and a part of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership. For her future career, she aspires to either be a public relations fashion specialist or work in political communications.

Adams 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 have so many passions that involve serving communities. Since I was 3 years old, I have been serving in the Childhood Cancer Community; however, over the last year, I have noticed the need for and importance of educating and advocating for the elimination of human trafficking.

My community service initiative is Hailey H.E.A.R.S — Ending Human Trafficking. My goal is to not only bring awareness about the realities of human trafficking but also to empower others to recognize warning signs and encourage communities to take action. H.E.A.R.S. stands for: Helping, Educating, Advocating, Resilience, and Strength. All five of these words play vital roles in combating human trafficking.

This issue is personal to me because, as I learned from being a co-chair on Governor Ivey’s Human Trafficking Task Force, how often human trafficking hides in plain sight. Through Hailey H.E.A.R.S., I plan to break the silence on human trafficking, teach others how to protect themselves and their peers, and remind every survivor that their voices are heard and valued! 

How did you get interested in this type of competition and why?

I was 11 years old when I first found out about the Miss America Opportunity. My older sister and I were in California at a Childhood Cancer Community event when we saw a local Miss California title holder who mentioned how the title provided her a megaphone for her community service initiative.

I watched my older sister compete in Miss Florida’s Teen and how it started to shape her into such an inspiring young woman, and I knew I wanted to have that experience as well! I also realized it could pay for my higher education and as a member of a family with four children, I knew pursuing higher education could leave a financial burden on my family.

As a freshman in high school, I decided to compete for Miss Alabama’s Teen as an at-large title holder. I fell in love with the program instantly and felt a tremendous amount of growth even though I did not win my first year. I went back as a junior and won Miss Alabama’s Teen 2022 and instantly was blessed with the opportunity to represent the Miss Alabama organization. This organization has poured so much into me and made me into the young woman I am today.

Lindsey Fincher has been a role model of mine since that very moment and when I got on campus, I knew my dream was to be Miss University of Alabama. This competition shapes young women to be leaders, have passions and pursue knowledge. 

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

I want to be a Miss UA for everyone! Someone who represents the entire campus with kindness, authenticity and school spirit. My goal is to make this year full of connection and service by spreading awareness about both the Miss University of Alabama program and my community service initiative, Hailey H.E.A.R.S. — Ending Human Trafficking.

Throughout my year, I hope to continue the work I have already started through the leadership positions I currently hold. I want to collaborate with as many organizations as possible, attend events and show that Miss UA is so much more than a crown.  It is about leadership, collaboration and community.

I look forward to working closely with the National Alumni Association and being a liaison between them and the students on campus. Whether I am hosting events, cheering on the Tide or volunteering in any aspect, I will strive to serve the University in every capacity and make a positive, lasting impact on the Capstone.  

The Miss University of Alabama Court includes

Fourth Runner-Up – Abby Sosa ($1,100 scholarship)

Third Runner-Up – Caroline Gibson ($1,400 scholarship)

Second Runner-Up – Rylie Dewley ($1,700 scholarship)

First Runner-Up – Julia Schumacher ($2,000 scholarship)

Additional awards given during the Miss UA competition

People’s Choice: Sydney Julian ($500 scholarship)

Social Media Challenge: Rylie Dewley ($500 scholarship)

Adams also won the Spirit of Alabama Leadership and Community Service Award ($500 scholarship). Caroline Gibson won the Talent award ($500 scholarship) and Julia Schumacher won the Evening Gown/On-Stage Conversation Award, earning an additional $500 scholarship.

Earning the title of Miss UA, Adams 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.