by Naquela Kirk (Assistant Director, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications)

Melissa Mercer embraced an unexpected challenge when she decided to compete for Miss UAB 2025. As a bioinformatics major with minors in computer science and biology, she spent much of her time studying or exploring her passion for martial arts. In a move to challenge herself, Mercer stepped into the pageantry world and emerged victorious, being crowned Miss UAB 2025.

"I'm a computer science major, I do martial arts—this isn’t typically the background of someone in a pageant. But I wanted to prove that Miss UAB could be anyone with the passion and drive," she said.

From Spanish Fort, Alabama, Mercer has always been a high achiever. She will graduate from UAB this April with her undergraduate degree, followed by a graduate degree in data science with a concentration in cybersecurity next year. A member of UAB’s Science and Technology Honors Program, she credits the university with providing her space to grow and connect with brilliant, like-minded students.

Though public speaking and performing on stage once terrified her, Mercer saw the Miss UAB competition as an opportunity to overcome her fears and showcase her unique talent– martial arts. For the past four years, she has worked as a martial arts instructor, primarily teaching children. With her new title, she aims to expand her impact.

As Miss UAB, she has set up self-defense seminars at the UAB Recreation Center. "I would love to teach college students and women, just like me, how to protect themselves."

Mercer’s journey as Miss UAB has been a representation of stepping outside your comfort zone, and she hopes her story will inspire other students to pursue opportunities that challenge them to push their limits.

"Without UAB, I wouldn't have had the confidence to ever step on that stage. I want others to see that they, too, can embrace new challenges and thrive in unexpected ways."