ANNISTON — McKenzie Fuller, the newly crowned Miss Jacksonville State University, has a passion for science, community service and breaking barriers.
Fuller, a junior majoring in applied chemistry at JSU, spoke to the Rotary Club of Calhoun County about her experiences on campus, her aspirations to work for NASA and her commitment to improving childhood literacy through her community service initiative, Reading Rockets.
“I’ve had a dream of working for NASA since I was a little girl,” Fuller said. “Science was always something that interested me and was a subject that I quickly grew to love. I fell in love with chemistry, specifically organic chemistry, as it was a hands-on way to learn about the fundamental building blocks of our universe.”
Fuller, who was crowned Miss JSU on Jan. 24, said she was inspired to compete after seeing Camille Schrier perform a science demonstration during the Miss America competition in 2019.
“I didn’t have a traditional talent,” Fuller said. “I’m not very good at singing, and you certainly don’t want to see me dance. But last spring, I gained inspiration from Camille Schrier… and it was a science demonstration. Look at that — I’m a chemistry major. That’s something I do know how to do.”
At JSU, Fuller has served as a Gamecock Orientation Guide for two years and then as an orientation leader, who welcomes new students to campus. She is also involved in several organizations, including the Student Activities Council and the American Chemical Society and the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where she serves as vice president of academic achievement.
“I truly do believe this is what has helped me rediscover my confidence and learn my strengths and how I can use them to my advantage,” Fuller said. “As a young girl, I was very shy, and I needed a way to step out of my comfort zone. My mother entered me in pageants, and while I did not win them all, I found a love in the sport, and soon discovered that a little hobby would soon change my life.”
She said Reading Rockets focuses on improving literacy in elementary-aged students. She cited statistics about low literacy rates in Alabama and expressed her desire to support struggling students.
“Around nine percent of schools in the state of Alabama have reported having less than 70 percent of students reading at or above their grade level,” Fuller said. “Minority and lower-income students continue to lag behind their peers when it comes to reading proficiency.”
Her initiative aims to make literacy fun and engaging for students while addressing educational inequities. Fuller has visited classrooms to read to students, engage them in hands-on activities and discuss the importance of literacy.
“In some areas … students face barriers like limited access to resources and technological support, which can exacerbate reading difficulties,” she said. “My goal is to give those students a sense of purpose and to ensure that all students, whether they are on track or veering off, have the support they need.”
As part of her initiative, Fuller is hosting a pickleball tournament and book drive next month to collect children’s books for schools, libraries, and community programs.
“The team fee for the pickleball tournament will just be a children’s book that can either be brand new or well-loved,” Fuller said. “This will allow more access to reading materials, especially for those from lower-income households and provide a diverse range of books to foster a lifelong love of reading.”
Fuller also noted the significance of her being the first woman of color to hold the title of Miss JSU.
“Growing up, I never saw an example in a field that I wanted to be in,” Fuller said. “So I made it my goal to become the example, to create a space where no one could tell me I was not capable and that I was not deserving. I want to be an inspiration and encourage students to chase their dreams and, if there is a barrier, to break through it.”
As she prepares to compete for the Miss Alabama title in June at Samford University, Fuller remains dedicated to her mission of advocating for literacy and supporting students both on and off campus.
“My journey is just getting started, and I will not be stopping anytime soon,” Fuller said. “My journey to the crown is not easy, but I have enjoyed every moment of taking steps to achieve my dreams.”
