Mr. and Miss Augusta University take the crown in annual pageant    

Under the theme “Dream Girls: One Night Only,” the 2025 Mr. and Miss Augusta University Scholarship Competition brought elegance, poise and talent to the stage before crowning this year’s winners on Sept. 18 at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. 

For one night only, the stage transformed into a world of dreams where contestants brought sparkle, shine and drama while competing for the university’s most coveted titles. 

Puja Punukollu, a fourth-year dual-degree MD-MBA student, was named the 10th Miss Augusta University, a part of the Miss Georgia and Miss America competitions, while also taking home the on-stage question.    

Tyler Guy, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology, was named the seventh Mr. Augusta University. 

Meet the contestants

Contestants showcased their star power in multiple categories, including a community service initiative pitch, on-stage question, talent and evening wear.    

Miss Augusta University contestants included Sophia Tang, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in cell and molecular biology, who was first runner-up; Emily Mae Edmunds, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in music education, who won people’s choice, talent and was second runner-up; and Annabella Natalina, a second-year graduate student pursuing a degree in biomolecular technologies, who won Miss Congeniality.    

Mr. Augusta University contestants included Alberto Alvarez, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in cybersecurity engineering, who won People’s Choice, Mr. Congeniality, talent and was first runner-up; and Zacchaeus Mack, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in business administration, who won on-stage question and was second runner-up.   

Miss Augusta University champions preventive health and student connection

As Miss Augusta University, Punukollu received a $1,500 scholarship, an official Miss America Organization crown, sash and trophy and coverage for entry fees to the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition.    

Her community service initiative, “Know, Go, Grow: Inspiring a Culture of Preventive Health,” aims to spread awareness and the importance of preventive health care across campus and in the Augusta community.    

“For me, this crown is a chance to use this platform to bring our community closer together, to make sure graduate and professional students feel just as connected as undergraduates and to continue conversations around health and access to care,” Punukollu said. 

Punukollu applied to the Mr. and Miss Augusta University Scholarship Competition to represent undergraduate, graduate and professional students with authenticity and purpose.   

“Being crowned Miss Augusta University is deeply personal to me because this is my last year here,” she said. “I started at AU as a 17-year-old, unsure of myself and what role I would play. Over time, this university shaped me into a leader, a future physician and someone who is not afraid to speak up for issues that matter, whether through student government, my platform on preventative health care or simply being a voice for my peers.”   

Punukollu is the president of the Graduate Student Government Association and an active member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, American Medical Women’s Association, Period and the Medical College of Georgia’s Got Talent. After graduation, she plans to pursue a residency in obstetrics and gynecology to advance women’s health, medical education and community outreach. 

Food security, student advocacy drive Mr. Augusta University’s mission 

As Mr. Augusta University, Guy received a $1,000 scholarship and an official crown, sash and trophy. His community service initiative, “Open Paws, Full Plates: Freedom to Thrive, Not Survive,” addresses collegiate food insecurity to ensure that all AU students can thrive and enjoy their college experience.    

“I want to make a change,” said Guy. “It’s very important for me to work as a servant leader by creating safe spaces and platforms for the student body and aligning with the university’s student-centered approach by uplifting student-led organizations on campus.”     

Guy hopes to use his platform to lead by example. Believing in the model of “practice what you preach,” he aims to provide the student body with the best possible representation throughout his reign.    

“This win is for the kids who didn’t feel like they fit in or belong,” said Guy. “When I got to AU, I knew I wanted to challenge myself and leave an impact on this campus. Now that I’ve been crowned, I have the honor of serving as a representative for the university. I feel so blessed to be able to have an opportunity I’ve wanted since I was accepted to Augusta University.”   

Guy is an active member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., The Brotherhood, Pom and Dance and the Augusta Influencers Program.   

Crowned to represent

As Mr. and Miss Augusta University, Guy and Punukollu will hold more than just the title; they will represent the AU student body. Tionna Thornton, coordinator for student involvement in Student Life and Engagement, explained that they will be essential to setting the tone for what it means to be an AU Jaguar.   

“The pageant really reflects the values of Augusta University because it pushes students to lead, serve and represent themselves and their peers in the best way possible,” said Thornton. “It is not just about performing on stage. It’s about thinking about what it means to be a leader, what it means to have a platform and how to give back to the campus community.”  

By the end of the night, the pageant brought together students, faculty, staff and alumni to cheer on their fellow Jaguars. Thornton noted that the event has grown into a campuswide celebration of Augusta University pride and spirit. 

“I hope everyone who comes leaves with a deeper appreciation for our students,” she said. “Faculty and staff get to see another side of the people they teach and work with, and students walk away inspired, knowing they could be in that same spot one day. More than anything, I want people to feel proud of Augusta University and proud of the community we are building together.”  

Visit the AU Events Calendar to see more on-campus events.