Meet Miss Troy University

Kathryn Clark photo: Grace Shellhouse poses with T-Roy after being crowned Miss Troy University 2025.

After weeks of preparations, the new Miss Troy University 2025 has finally been crowned.

Grace Shellhouse was crowned Miss Troy University 2025 after showcasing her teal-green dress during the evening gown category, followed by the presentation of awards.

“The most challenging part about competing for Miss Troy was always the mental battle I have,” said Shellhouse, a junior political science major with a legal studies minor from Andalusia, Alabama. “It takes a strong and driven woman to turn the negative self-talk off and turn on the confidence and poise.

“The competition was always the most fun when I told myself that I was capable and qualified to compete for the title of Miss Troy University.”

This was Shellhouse’s second time competing for the title. Shellhouse was convinced by Miss Troy University 2024, Sarah Jane Houston, to compete for the first time for this title in 2024.

“After competing twice for Miss Troy University, I have learned that God’s timing is the best timing,” Shellhouse said. “When He prepares you and makes you qualified, He will open the door to unbelievable and groundbreaking opportunities.”

The fitness category was Shellhouse’s favorite part.

“I absolutely love getting to show off the hard work I put into my workouts while competing in the health and fitness preliminary category,” Shellhouse said. “It is a fun, light-hearted and upbeat portion of the competition.”

While her hard work was shown throughout the night in other categories, it was the talent competition that allowed Shellhouse to include some of her early dance experiences on the stage.

The song for this ballet routine was “Torn” by Nathan Lanier.

“I have danced classically for years and love the way my nerves go out the door once I take the stage,” Shellhouse said. “Through the instrumental song choice, I got to incorporate that classical ballet training and mix it into a beautiful yet fun lyrical genre of dance.”

Shellhouse wants to thank her parents and friends for their abundant support in her journey to becoming Miss Troy University 2025.

“My parents and friends were absolutely amazing in the support aspect,” Shellhouse said. “I owe a huge thank you to Andalusia Ballet for my dance training and Formally Yours for designing the most beautiful evening gown.”

Since the crowning of the title, Shellhouse has already marked many appearances in the calendar for this year.

Shellhouse plans to visit many schools and organizations to advocate for her community service initiative ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’ and to mentor as many people as possible.

“While representing my school is of the utmost importance on the to-do list of things as Miss Troy, preparing to compete for the title of Miss Alabama is also important as well,” Shellhouse said. “I plan to hit the ground running and to push myself as hard as I can to compete in June for Miss Alabama.”