Mr. and Miss American Indian OSU 2023 crowned
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu
The Native American Student Association hosted the 24th Miss American Indian OSU scholarship pageant on Saturday night at the Student Union Theater, with Shaeleigh McGee taking home the crown.
The pageant serves as a platform for Native students to celebrate their cultural traditions and promote change within their tribal community, while also showcasing their hard work and dedication at Oklahoma State University.
The event featured a keynote speaker, a graduation ceremony for graduating members and two contestants vying for the Miss American Indian OSU title.
The pageant consisted of four categories, including regalia presentation, talent presentation, platform issue and extemporaneous question.
The judges for the 2023 scholarship pageant were Catherine White, the 2018 Miss American Indian OSU; Melisa Echols, coordinator of OSU Student Government Association programs; and Meg Baker, the 2016 Miss American Indian Indian OSU.
McGee — a freshman from Duncan, Oklahoma, studying microbiology and cell and molecular biology with a minor in American Indian Studies — won the title after impressing the judges with her rendition of the song “Misty.”
She is of Chickasaw and Mississippi Choctaw descent and is involved in various on-campus activities, such as the Center for Sovereign Nations and University Singers, and serves as the cultural chair of the Native American Student Association.
McGee's platform issue is Native American Health and Wellness, a deeply personal issue for her as her family members have struggled with health problems, including diabetes and drug abuse.
“It affects my family, my tribe, future generations and our culture,” McGee said. “Without our community, what happens to our culture?”
Dr. John Chaney, the OSU Regents Professor of Psychology and director of the American Indians into psychology program (AIIP), served as the keynote speaker for the event. Chaney, a clinical psychologist with a specialty emphasis in pediatric psychology, has been the director of the AIIP since 1977 and has produced more Native American doctorates in psychology than any other university in the country.
Additionally, Caleb Garcia was crowned Mr. American Indian OSU, making him the third person to hold the title in the pageant's history. Garcia ran uncontested and was crowned by default.
For more information, please visit the Center for Sovereign Nations website or the Native American Student Association’s information page.
Story By: Haley Simpson | haley.simpson@okstate.edu