Vicksburg Native Morgan Nelson Crowned Miss Starkville 2026

STARKVILLE, Miss.(VDN) — Vicksburg native Morgan Nelson has been named Miss Starkville 2026. She was officially crowned on Saturday, where she also won the Overall Evening Gown Competition.

Nelson has continued to make her mark in the pageant world, earning recognition for her talents at every competition. In 2023, she was named Miss Mississippi State University, and the following year, she was crowned Miss Vicksburg. Over the summer, she advanced to the Top 11 in the Miss Mississippi Pageant where also was 2nd runner up, prelim evening gown winner, prelim fitness winner, Women in Medicine Award recipient , and awarded nearly $10,000 in scholarships. In April, she also received the Spirit of State Award at Mississippi State University.

May 2025 marked another milestone for Nelson as she graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University.

“I give all of the glory to God, as this journey would be nothing without him,” Nelson wrote in a post. “As I reflect on my time here, I can’t help but leave with a thankful heart — thankful for the growth, the grace, the challenges, and my forever family. I didn’t just earn a degree here; I gained a purpose.”

Although Nelson’s talents shine across the state, she remains committed to serving her hometown of Vicksburg. In July, she served as mistress of ceremonies for the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club Banquet, where she was recognized for her community service and presented an award by club president Willie Glasper.

Congratulations to Morgan Nelson as she takes the reins as Miss Starkville 2026.