National champion? You betcha. Alabama’s Abbie Stockard is the new Miss America, crowned on Jan. 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. She’s the fourth Alabama woman to be named Miss America, and the first Miss Alabama to receive the national title in 20 years.

The “four pillars” of the Miss America organization are style, service, scholarship and success, and significant college funding is at stake during the competition. As the 2025 winner, for example, Stockard received a $50,000 scholarship. She earned another $39,000 in scholarships while competing for Miss Alabama over a three-year span.

Since we’re talking education, it’s a fine time to tip our caps — OK, our tiaras — to colleges that have been influential and inspirational for Alabama’s Miss America winners. Let’s take a closer look.