Ellington Jones Crowned Miss Jacksonville State University 2026

02/01/2026

Ellington jones, Miss JSU 2026By Brett Buckner

As a student at Jacksonville State University, Ellington Jones has lived by the philosophy, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Jones credits that mantra with propelling her to being crowned Miss Jacksonville State University 2026 on Friday night. 

“I am by no means good at the pageant world,” said Jones, a 21-year-old grad student majoring in business administration. “While I am no stranger to the stage, I am new to this whole new world. I have a competitor's grit and love a challenge. Last year, going into Miss JSU week, I was nervous about each step. This year, I felt peace the entire time and just decided to have fun with the whole process, no matter the outcome.”  

Jones was named First Runner Up to Miss JSU 2025 McKenzie Fuller. Though she was proud of her performance last year, Jones couldn’t deny the desire to compete again for the ultimate prize.  

“It wasn’t until God closed doors in my life, and my parents really leaned into me, saying there was a greater plan for me,” said Jones, who is from Duck Springs. “Little did I know the plan would be something so great as this.”  

While Jones knew most of the seven other competitors through either Greek life, the Marching Ballerinas, or the Marching Southerners, she said the experience with them was a pleasure and an honor. 

“I felt truly at ease with each of them throughout the process,” Jones said. “Being surrounded by such amazing girls made the process not feel so daunting. We just hung out as girls. Each one of them is so special in their own ways, and I cannot wait to see what else they accomplish throughout their collegiate careers.” 

It was a night she will never forget.  

“Each person who was there to support me, win or lose,” Jones said of what she’ll remember most about the evening. “Such a raw, unique experience, and I get to share it with the people who love me the most—what a blessing.” 

Aubree Ford was named First Runner Up, and Ayanah Scott was named the Darby Angle Acts of Kindness winner. Jones also won the talent portion of the pageant for clogging. She has been dancing for about 18 years and clogging since she was four.  

“Dance has always been a huge portion of my life,” Jones said. “[Clogging] is such a unique form of dance, and I wanted to be just like the older girls. Clogging is not something you see every day. While I love every other style of dance and have found a love for each of them in their own way, clogging is such an eye-catching piece. Plus, I got to combine my other favorite style of dance, hip-hop.”  

As Miss JSU, Jones intends to spread joy and happiness through her community service initiative, Enlighten with Ellington. 

“I also hope to lead with a servant’s heart,” she said. “Leaning into what this university lives by—‘the Friendliest Campus in the South.’ This experience is something everyone should do, not necessarily just to compete for the title, but to create memories and a sense of camaraderie. 

“This will be my biggest mission field yet. Jax State, get ready. Let’s do this.” 

 

Miss JSU 2026, Ellington receives: 

  • Official crown and sash 
  • JSU tuition scholarship for fall 2026 and spring 2027 
  • $500 scholarship courtesy of AmFirst 
  • $1,000 Miss Alabama pre-scholarship courtesy of Sheri Harbison 
  • official crown box and sash courtesy of JSU Panhellenic 
  • complimentary training sessions courtesy of University Recreation 
  • competition bouquet courtesy of the Dean of Students Office, and 
  • $100 Red Threads gift card. 

  

First runner-up receives: 

  • JSU tuition scholarship of $1,550 for fall 2026 
  • $250 fall 2026 book scholarship sponsored by the JSU Alumni Association, and 
  • competition bouquet courtesy of the Dean of Students Office. 

 

Talent winner receives 

  • $1,000 Grace Ann Lundy Talent Scholarship courtesy of the Lundy family 
  • $250 fall 2026 book scholarship sponsored by the JSU Alumni Association, and 
  • Competition bouquet courtesy of the Dean of Students Office. 

 

Darby Angle Acts of Kindness Scholarship 

  • $1,000 scholarship voted on by the candidates, and 
  • Competition bouquet courtesy of the Dean of Students Office. 

 

Jones will represent Jax State in the Miss Alabama Competition, which will be held in Birmingham, June 3-6.