Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
During Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 14, the University of West Alabama announced its 2023 Homecoming Queen, Shelby Baggett. The Homecoming Queen and court were nominated and elected by the UWA student body.
The queen was announced and crowned on the field during halftime festivities at the UWA vs. West Florida game on Saturday. Shelby Baggett was crowned by 2022 Homecoming Queen Annaya Chelcy, UWA President Ken Tucker and SGA President Robert Lewis.
Shelby Baggett, a junior from Fruitdale, Ala., is a homecoming queen for 2023. A graduate of Fruitdale High School, she is a health science major and treasurer of Phi Eta Sigma honor society. Baggett has also served as a student ambassador and orientation leader for the past two years, and has been named to the Dean’s and President’s lists throughout her time at UWA.
Orienne Lewis, a nursing major, is the freshman maid. A Tuscaloosa, Ala., native, she is a graduate of Hale County High School and a member of the UWA cheer team.
Leah Beth Stewart, a cell and molecular biology major, is the sophomore maid. A graduate of Southern Academy and native of Greensboro, Ala., Stewart is a member of the UWA softball team, a FCA student ambassador, and Phi Mu Fraternity where she serves as chaplain. She is also a UWA BOSS Scholar, a member of the Gulf South Conference Spring Honor Roll and a UWA Research Seed Grant recipient.
Chloe Baker, a junior from Tuscaloosa, Ala., is a member of the homecoming court. An elementary education major, Baker is a graduate of American Christian Academy and in her third year as a member of the UWA cheer team. She is also a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, where she serves as the sisterhood chairwoman and membership director.
Bailey Gurley, a junior from Birmingham Ala., is a member of the homecoming court. A graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School, Gurley is an early childhood education major and a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, where she serves as philanthropy chairwoman. She has also served as a senator for the Student Government Association and is a recipient of the Spirit of Phi Mu award and a member of the Order of Omega honor society.
Kayla Holley, a junior from Montgomery, Ala., is a member of the homecoming court. A graduate of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, she is an engineering technology major. Holley is vice president of the Student Government Association, a Resident Assistant (RA) and a member of the Mu Eta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves as secretary and membership chairwoman. She is also a member of Blue Key and Phi Etta Sigma and Tri Alpha honor societies. In addition to her on-campus involvement, Holley won the 2022 Miss Black and Gold pageant at UWA and was named 2022 Miss Black and Gold for the state of Alabama.
Carlyn Rawls, a senior from Millbrook, Ala., is a member of the homecoming court. A business management major, Rawls is a graduate of Victory Christian Academy. On campus she is involved with The Awakening as well as international programs, where she had the opportunity to study overseas in Rennes, France during the 2022-2023 school year. She is also a member of Delta Mu Delta honor society and won the College of Business Outstanding Junior Award in April 2023.