TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — A new Miss Troy University queen has been crowned.

Thursday night, Gracen Murphy was crowned the new Miss Troy University.

“It feels surreal, I came and did it my freshman year and didn’t walk away with the crown, but I knew I wanted to try again because I grew so much from the experience and I love Troy so much so I’m just thrilled to be able to represent Troy in a whole new way,”

Murphy received the crown from Anna Grace Tucker.

“I’m just so excited for the next miss Troy university and what her reign is going to be like, and all of the contestants that competed tonight,” Tucker said. “I’m just really proud of what I’ve done with my reign as Miss Troy University.”

LOOKING BACK: Meet the past Miss Troy University queens

As Tucker passes the crown, Murphy begins her reign with the opportunity to represent Troy University and its motto.

From the conversation to the crowning, contestants in the Miss Troy University pageant showcased more than just confidence and presence. This years competition reflected Troy university’s motto “Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act,” each phrase highlighting a different part of the university’s values.

The competition began with on-stage conversations, challenging contestants to think. Talent performances followed, giving contestants an avenue to express themselves and encourage the audience to feel. The health and fitness portion emphasized the importance of taking action, before contestants took the stage one final time in evening wear.

“It feels really good because last year I got forth runner up and that was my first pageant, so I was not expecting this big leap but honestly I put in some hard work and I’m ready to come back next year even harder,” said Isabella Calasso, the first runner up in the pageant.

For the contestants the pageant was also an opportunity to grow, build confidence, and now represent the university in a new way.