STARKVILLE, Miss.—A 2017 Mississippi State agribusiness graduate was named Miss Rodeo America this month in Las Vegas.

Taylor McNair of Learned earned the 2019 title at the conclusion of a week-long pageant consisting of a horsemanship competition, written test on equine science and rodeo knowledge, extensive interviews, extemporaneous speaking and a fashion show. The award comes with more than $20,000 in educational scholarships and additional prizes. She also won appearance, personality and written test awards, among other honors. She is the third Mississippian to claim the national title.

McNair earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness with concentrations in policy and law. While at MSU, she competed with the university’s equestrian and rodeo teams and received a Mississippi Women for Agriculture-Dianne Evans Memorial Scholarship. She is planning to pursue a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree with a Master of Law in Agricultural and Food Law.

She will travel extensively over the next year as the official representative for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, in addition to making appearances at schools, civic groups and other special events to educate the public and raise awareness about the sport of rodeo, along with its sponsors and opportunities.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.