NW Missouri Times

Courtney Rowe, a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, has been crowned Miss Missouri. Rowe, who completed her degree in mass media with a focus on broadcast production in 2023, won the title at the state competition held in Mexico, Missouri. Competing as Miss Kansas City, she was one of 21 participants who had previously won local pageants.

Rowe expressed surprise and gratitude for reaching the top five in the competition. "Making it to the top five, that’s a huge deal in and of itself," she said. Having competed for Miss Missouri five times and finishing as second runner-up last year, Rowe remained calm during the final stages of this year's contest.

Looking ahead, Rowe will compete for the Miss America title in September in Orlando, Florida. She will join representatives from each U.S. state, along with those from the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Miss America is built on five pillars: scholarship, service, style, success, and sisterhood. Rowe is particularly committed to community service. She volunteers regularly with North Star Advocacy Center in Maryville and the YWCA shelter in St. Joseph. Her focus this year is on supporting victims of domestic violence; she recently worked with children to create Easter baskets.

"When we talk about domestic violence, it’s really heavy," Rowe said. She found joy in providing lighthearted activities for affected children.

The Miss Missouri organization awarded $85,000 in scholarships this year; Rowe received $14,000 and has accumulated over $25,000 from pageant competitions to further her education. "It’s made learning accessible for women," she noted.

Rowe chose Northwest Missouri State University after being encouraged by her high school broadcasting teacher and her mother Michele, a Northwest alumna. Initially planning to pursue acting full-time after high school, she reconsidered college due to their advice.

At Northwest, Rowe appreciated smaller class sizes and hands-on experience opportunities from her first year. She connected quickly with faculty members Will Murphy, Adam Bochart, and Matt Walker. In 2022 as a junior at Northwest, she began working at KQTV in St. Joseph as a reporter and morning news anchor.

In addition to her academic pursuits at Northwest Missouri State University, Rowe was involved with several organizations including Bearcat Steppers and Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She also served as president of It’s On Us—a sexual assault awareness group—and participated in projects like the Clothesline Project during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Reflecting on her education's impact on her career and pageantry success: "I wouldn’t have had that if I didn’t pursue my education at Northwest," said Rowe. The skills gained through her communications major have contributed significantly to both fields: "You learn how to communicate effectively... I think my desire to serve my community stems a lot from what I do as a reporter."