Students Jocelyn Hunt is Miss UNCP ocelyn Hunt, a senior public relations major, was crowned Miss UNCP 2012 with a crowd of approximately 1,200 looking on in the Givens Performing Arts Center. Hunt demonstrated the talent and poise of a contender for the Miss North Carolina crown, which she will compete for in June. An appreciative and boisterous crowd watched for two-and-a-half hours before the new queen was crowned. The 60th anniversary edition of the Miss UNCP Scholarship Pageant featured entertainment from former queens, including Karen Jenkins, Miss Pembroke State College 1966. She performed a tap routine to the music “Jump Joint.” “The pageant was different in 1966,” Jenkins said. “Students voted among five finalists, and we were crowned at a homecoming basketball game. I guess I was homecoming queen, too.” Jenkins along with Teresa Oxendine, Miss Pembroke State University 1974; Kristy Woods Billings, Miss Pembroke State University 1989; Morgan Hunt Warriax, Miss UNCP 2005; and Jamee Hunt, Miss UNCP 2008, warmed up the audience, which included dozens of visiting queens and J UNCP 18 UNCP Today , Miss years princesses and their crowns. UNCP’s pageant is getting a great deal of respect for its large crowds and professional management, as Miss North Carolina Pageant executive director Beth Knox noted. “We have 30 to 35 preliminary pageants each year, and this is my favorite,” she said. “This crowd is so fantastic.” Pageant emcee Miss North Carolina 2011 Hailey Best agreed. “I heard this would be like a rock concert, and they were right,” she said. A Raeford, N.C., resident, Hunt showed confidence in the on-stage interview. Dr. Diane Jones, the retiring executive director of the pageant, said Hunt had the strongest interview in preliminary competition that she has witnessed. Dr. Jones has worked with the pageant since 1989. “She nailed her interview,” Dr. Jones said. “Jocelyn has pageant experience, and she will be a strong contender for the Miss North Carolina crown. We are looking forward to Raleigh.” Chancellor Carter gave Dr. Jones roses and showered her with praise. The 34-year veteran UNCP administrator and vice chancellor for Student Affairs announced her retirement the morning of the event. “This is a special night for many reasons,” Dr. Carter said. Spring 2012