Resilience And Royalty: Miss Kansas 2024 is a Newman Jet

Alexis Smith ’23 was in “absolute awe” after being crowned Miss Kansas 2024.

Smith’s resilience and ambition have helped her thrive in roles as a nurse and pageant queen, all while never forgetting her roots. Her journey from Newman University to statewide recognition is a testament to her dedication and spirit.

As a cardiothoracic ICU nurse, Smith champions for heart health, a cause close to her as she plans to further her nursing career.

Smith plans to obtain her doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice from Newman. Smith uses her talent of ventriloquism — an art instilled by her aunt — to promote her platform, “Respect Reclaimed,” inspired by personal experiences of overcoming abuse. Using her puppet companions, Aaliyah and Allen, Smith demonstrates to people of all ages what healthy relationships should look like. Smith will compete in the Miss America competition in January 2025.

Newman Jets were no strangers to this year’s Miss Kansas competition. Pharmacy student Ashley Nguyen ’20, who serves as Miss Wichita Asian Association, also participated alongside law clerk Gabby Altenor ’21, who won Miss Wichita and finished as third place runner-up.