Over the summer, former 2024 Miss Southeastern Shelby Bordelon was crowned 2026 Miss Louisiana, becoming the first representative from Southeastern Louisiana University to earn the state’s highest competition title in the Miss America system in more than a decade. This year, Bordelon completed her journey by capturing the Miss Louisiana 2026 crown, marking a historic moment for both the Miss Southeastern program and SLU. As Miss Southeastern in 2024, Bordelon said her experience representing Southeastern helped prepare her for the responsibilities of serving as Miss Louisiana. According to the Miss Southeastern organization, Bordelon is the first Southeastern student to win Miss Louisiana since Blair Abene in 2008. Abene, who was crowned Miss Southeastern 2006 and served as one of the emcees of the Miss Louisiana 2026 competition.