Miss West Chester University will host its 23rd live competition on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 PM in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, located at 700 South High Street.

Miss WCU is being coordinated this year by past Miss WCU recipients. Nine women currently studying at WCU will compete for $3,000-plus in scholarships through an inclusive contest that will give awards based on interviews, platform development, leadership, academic achievement, and service to the community.

The Miss WCU Scholarship Organization has provided close to $60,000 in scholarships to nearly 500 WCU women who have since become successful professionals. Following the university’s health and social-distancing protocols, audience members will be required to wear masks, and contestants will wear masks when appearing in groups on stage. Tickets will be available at the door: $10 General Admission.

All proceeds will benefit the newly crowned Miss WCU’s service platform.

Philadelphia Flyers TV Host Andrea Helfrich, a former Miss WCU, will emcee the competition. Miss WCU will feature five categories: interview, on-stage question, talent, casual wear, and evening wear. Spotlight performances will feature the WCU Dance Team and Under A Rest A Cappella. 

Each of the nine contestants has identified a service platform that, should they receive the title of Miss WCU, will benefit from the program’s financial support as various community service projects are launched throughout the year by Miss WCU. The contestants’ platforms for 2022 include the following: Beyond the Stigma: Intellectual Disability Advocacy and Awareness; Living with Lung Cancer; Take PRIDE in Reaching Out; Inspire Through the Arts: Music and Arts Education; Community Aid; Women’s Wellness Initiative; Threads of Success; Women’s Health; and Sharing to the Shelters: Helping our Furry Friends.

During the program, Miss WCU 2020 Allison Short, who is currently studying to earn a master’s degree in social work, will be celebrated for her impact on the community. During her year of service, which was extended throughout 2021 due to the pandemic, Short worked to raise awareness about homelessness and food insecurity (particularly on college campuses). The evening will culminate with her completing her final duty as she crowns the university’s 23rd titleholder.  

Miss WCU was created in 1998 by a resident assistant in Killinger Hall. In 1999, Director of Residence Life Marion McKinney served as one of the judges for Miss WCU, was impressed with the program, and worked to incorporate Miss WCU as a signature program within Residence Life and Housing Services.  

“Miss WCU is a unique women’s leadership development program,” said McKinney. “Every woman who has participated in the past has commented on how this experience has changed their lives. The formers assist with interview skills, platform development, building confidence, sisterhood, and mentorship. What the contestants receive from former titleholders is unmatched. The women who participate in Miss WCU are recognized and celebrated for their academic accomplishments, their ability to lead, and the intentional way that they impact their communities.”

Learn more about West Chester University.