Published July 1, 2024
MONROE, LA – Miss University of Louisiana Monroe 2024 Gabrelle “Gabby” McLeod placed as 4th Runner-Up at the 2024 Miss Louisiana competition on June 15, 2024 at the Monroe Civic
Center. In the preliminary rounds of the competition, McLeod won the Health and Fitness
Newcomer and Health and Fitness Overall awards.
“Placing top 11 and 4th runner-up is truly an honor,” said McLeod. “Being that it
was my first year, I almost counted myself out before taking the stage. Through prayer
and great preparation with my director Meghan Olinger, I was well prepared and took
on the competition feeling as if I had been doing it for years. Being called up for
both will forever feel like a dream,” she added.
“Gabby represented our university with eloquence and grace this weekend,” said Meghan
Olinger, Director of ULM Titleholders. “She reminded us all that hard work and perseverance
pay off and that the best is truly on the bayou. I am incredibly proud of her!” added
Olinger.
Other ULM students who participated in the 2024 Miss Louisiana competition include
Miss Dixie Stockshow Katherine McCullars and Miss Louisiana Stockshow Lake Carpenter.
McCullars was included in the top 11 contestants. The winner of Miss Louisiana 2024
was Olivia Grace George, Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival. George will go on to
represent Louisiana at the Miss America competition later this year.
McLeod was cheered on at the Miss Louisiana competition by ULM administrators including
ULM President Dr. Ron Berry and First Lady Dr. Christine Berry, Vice President for
Student Affairs Dr. Valerie Fields, and Vice President for Enrollment Management and
University Relations Lisa Miller.
“Gabby has exemplified how being new to the world of pageantry can yield success when
you work hard, prepare well, listen, and have fun,” said Dr. Valerie Fields.
Miss ULM was also supported at the competition and throughout her reign by the ULM
Student Government Association (SGA) and the Campus Activities Board (CAB.) SGA President
Jadyn Maloney and CAB Miss ULM committee head Kelly Lohman both attended the competition.
McLeod says she appreciates the relationships she forged in the Miss Louisiana competition.
“I was able to meet and get to know each sister of my class. I enjoy bonding with
others and will never forget the wonderful memories,” said McLeod.
Miss ULM 2024 Gabrelle McLeod is a senior Kinesiology Exercise Science major from
Vicksburg, Miss. As a Warhawk, she is always looking for a way to show her love and
excitement for the school! She served as a PREP staffer welcoming the class of 2027
to the Bayou. Here at ULM, she is a member of The Black Student Union and Bayou La
Belle Choir. After graduating, she plans to continue her education in athletic training
and pursue her dream of coaching in athletics. Her Community Service Initiative, “Head
in The Game”, is meant to implement and encourage youth fitness. Not only does it
help improve our youths’ physical health, but also breaks the barrier of fear to try
new things. When she’s not occupied by her studies, she enjoys spending time with
friends and family, staying fit, making others laugh, and baking.
McLeod invites everyone to follow her journey at www.facebook.com/missulm and check out her “Miss ULM Tries...” series as she continues to serve as Miss ULM.
McLeod will continue her reign as Miss ULM until the new Miss ULM is crowned in November.
