Last November, Savannah Jessup was crowned UCA’s 2021 Homecoming Queen. It’s almost been an entire year since then, and Jessup has undoubtedly been busy. In the past eleven months, Jessup has not only fulfilled her royal duties but has graduated, gotten married and started a new career as an elementary school teacher, all while supporting her alma mater.
While a student at UCA, Jessup was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, the Association of Future Alumni, the College of Education Dean’s Leadership Team, the Order of Omega, and a UCA merit fellow. She was put up for nomination by Alpha Sigma Tau and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where she was named the organization’s “dream girl.”
Besides Jessup, last year’s crowned court consisted of Homecoming King Tyler Cox, Homecoming Maid Eryka Williams and Homecoming Prince Skyler Cox.
Before this year’s Queen was crowned, Jessup shared her experience and revealed what UCA and Homecoming mean to her, describing her time as Homecoming Queen as “a dream.”
What was your favorite part of Homecoming as a student?
“My favorite part was getting to see all of the students from UCA getting together to have fun and celebrate our awesome school.”
What is your favorite Homecoming memory besides getting crowned?
“Getting to be on court with two of my best friends and my now-husband. It was absolutely surreal.”
What did being nominated to Homecoming court and then being crowned Queen mean to you?
“It was a dream. It meant so much to me that people even considered me to be on court, so when I was crowned, I felt so undeserving. I always tried to treat people with kindness and be my true self and having so much love and support just blew me away. I love UCA and the people here so much and will forever be thankful.”
Did you have any responsibilities as Queen? If so, what was your favorite responsibility?
“I was able to go back for this year’s Homecoming festivities and helped emcee the Student Life awards ceremony. I love being able to come back and be with those getting to experience Homecoming on this side.”
Have you kept up with any previous Homecoming Queens?
“Yes. A few of my old sorority sisters were Queen and it is awesome sharing that with them.”
How did your time at UCA benefit you?
“I grew so much as a person, leader and friend from UCA. I found my true self and was never ashamed to show that due to those who encouraged and pushed me to be my best.”
What all have you been up to since last Homecoming?
“I recently got married in June to my high school sweetheart who currently plays for UCA football. I am also a second-grade teacher at Morrilton Elementary School, and I am loving this new phase of life. I am so grateful for UCA for getting me to where I am today!”
