Interview with Kory Lynn Jennings, Miss SAU 2024: A Job of a Lifetime
Q -What is your current title and the inspiration for you to participate in pageants?
Kory Lynn Jennings- I am honored to hold the title of Miss Southern Arkansas University 2024. My inspiration to participate in pageants dates back to eighth grade when, on a whim, I decided to compete in my school’s pageant. Despite having no prior experience, I was fortunate enough to win the crown, and from that moment, I was hooked. What truly drew me to pageantry was discovering its deeper purpose—empowering young girls and women to be confident in themselves, both on stage and in life. The scholarships, life lessons, and personal growth I’ve gained through pageantry have fueled my passion and drive to continue competing and inspiring others.
Q- What was your latest internship? How do you think the skills developed through pageantry helped in your latest internship?
Kory Lynn Jennings- My latest internship was this past summer in Dallas, TX, where I worked as an Event Management Intern for Aesthetic Record. It was my first experience living out of state and interning in the business world. Aesthetic Record provided an incredible learning environment with fantastic faculty and mentorship. The skills I developed through pageantry were incredibly valuable in this role. One key lesson was adapting to new situations. Pageantry often pushes you to step outside your comfort zone—whether it’s performing a talent, speaking, or competing in front of an audience. This taught me to trust myself, work hard, and persevere in unfamiliar situations. Additionally, the experience I gained in interviewing through pageants made me much more confident and prepared for the professional interview process, allowing me to excel in that area of my internship as well.
Q- Would you view the roles you’ve held as having lifelong significance, and in what ways will that value impact your life moving forward?
Kory Lynn Jennings- Every role I’ve held in the pageant world has had a profound and lasting impact on my life. These experiences hold lifelong significance because pageantry has helped me discover who I truly am and what I stand for. Through pageants, I created my community service initiative, “Stay Connected, Stay Strong,” which focuses on raising awareness about social isolation and fostering unity through togetherness. Having personally experienced what it feels like to be alone, I know how powerful it is when we shift from “ME” to “WE” and build strength through community. This initiative has shaped my passions and my desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. Moving forward, I am committed to being an example of unity, selflessness, and equality—values that I hold dear and that will guide me in making a positive impact on those around me
Q- What are your reasons for encouraging participation in a pageant for career readiness and lifelong valued skills?
Kory Lynn Jennings- I encourage others to participate in pageantry because it offers valuable experiences that go far beyond the stage. Personally, pageantry has allowed me to graduate college debt-free while providing me with life-changing lessons. It pushed me out of my shell and helped me become the confident leader I am today, capable of setting an example in my community. Pageantry also opens doors to numerous community service opportunities, where you learn the importance of having a servant’s heart and working toward a bigger picture—one that’s bigger than yourself. Through pageantry, I’ve gained confidence in myself and in the transformative power it has to mold young girls into powerful, capable women, prepared for success in all aspects of life including their careers.
Kory Lynn Jennings
Miss Southern Arkansas University 2024 | Senior, Communications Major | Phi Mu Member
Kory Lynn Jennings is a passionate and driven 21-year-old senior at Southern Arkansas University, majoring in Communications. With a strong commitment to her academic and extracurricular pursuits, Kory Lynn has earned a spot on the President’s List and serves as Miss Southern Arkansas University 2024, proudly representing her university and engaging with the community in meaningful ways.
A member of Phi Mu Fraternity since her freshman year, Kory Lynn has demonstrated leadership and dedication within her sorority. She has served two years on the executive board, first as Vice President and later as Membership Recruitment Director, where she played a key role in shaping the sisterhood experience and recruiting new members to the organization.
In addition to her academic and leadership accomplishments, Kory Lynn has a deep love for music. She enjoys singing and playing the guitar, often spending her free time perfecting her musical talents. When she’s not studying or participating in sorority activities, Kory Lynn treasures quality time spent with her friends and family. As an identical twin, her close bond with her sister is an essential part of her life.
With a heart for service, community, and personal growth, Kory Lynn is excited to continue making a positive impact at Southern Arkansas University and beyond, always striving to inspire those around her with her passion, leadership, and love for people.
