Caroline Rose Coleman was crowned Miss University of North Alabama 2025 at Norton Auditorium on Jan. 25. Coming from being first runner-up at the Miss UNA 2024, Coleman has finally got her crown.
Originally from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Coleman has a vast history with the arts. She has been involved with community theater since the age of six, having starred in a production of Cinderella, her favorite princess. She has also been involved with ballet, tap and point.
Coleman enchanted the judges and audience with a performance of Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro,” making a tribute to Miss America 2002, who performed the song her winning year. Her family, especially her grandmother, were the main agents for Coleman’s appreciation of classical music and opera. Coleman’s parents Wallace and Crystal Coleman, alongside her siblings, are an artistic, theatre-loving family.
Coleman said, “We would always listen to the classic Broadway musicals together.”
As Miss UNA 2025, she plans on moving on with her “Character Counts: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself” journey. The community service initiative aims to “encourage people to be their best version of themselves. To find their talents and help others.”
Inspired by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s mandate of ten minutes of character education per day, Coleman has made it her mission to visit as many schools as possible.
She said, “You have to ask the question, ‘What kind of world do we want to live in? You know, what community do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a world that’s kind and honest and people are living towards each other?’ We have to ask that question and get the conversation started about us becoming people of integrity. And I’m a lifelong learner, being the best version of yourself is kind of like playing the piano. You can learn the basics of it, but you have to practice every single day to be your best.”
The project originated from her first-ever pageant, Miss Music City Teen. This pageant was a preliminary for Miss Tennessee Teen, which she won.
Coleman then proceeded to compete in the state competition, where she finished top eight. Coleman said Miss America had always been her role model, which made her excited to start a career in pageants.
She is continuing a three-year, back-to-back Phi Mu Miss UNA legacy, with sorority sisters Lauren Vance and Madeline Cooper preceding her in 2023 and 2024.
Coleman said, “I love my Phi Mu sisters so much. I love our bond. It is just such an encouraging sorority. These girls just really pour into each other. When Lauren won we were so excited because I had known her a little bit earlier um, and it was before she pledged Phi Mu. She’s just beautiful and elegant and all things joy. I love her, I love Lauren. And Madeline, also. If you ever met Madeline, she’s just sunshine. She and Lauren both embody what a Miss UNA should be. They represent the highest ideals and they’re just such lovely people.”
Coleman said winning the title of Miss UNA made her overcome by her emotions. She also claims gratitude for Rebecca Bush, director of the UNA Board, Dr. Lloyd Jones, band director, the Norton Auditorium crew and all volunteers who “put so much time and effort into Miss UNA and made it such a smooth experience.”
As Miss UNA 2025, Coleman claims to be excited, yet nervous to represent her “loved university and all who make it such a special place” at Miss Alabama 2025. She will rely on the instruction and advice from her former Miss UNAs and on director Bush.
She added, “‘the Miss America opportunity develops young women and prepares them for the world. It may be for a job interview or whatever else in their future. You’re really learning your passion, learning your purpose, and becoming the best version of yourself.”
