Leslie Cooper of Birmingham was crowned Miss Samford University Friday evening (NOV. 15). A junior journalism/mass communication major, she is the daughter of John and Rhonda Cooper and a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. Her pageant platform was BackPACK-Promoting Awareness and Compassion in Kids. She performed ballet en pointe in the talent competition.

Finalists were: Rachel Mitchell of Bowling Green, Ky., first runner up; Jennifer Murdock of Birmingham, second runner up; and Amanda Robinson of Foley, third runner up.

In preliminary competitions, Cooper won the lifestyle, fitness and swimsuit category. Robinson won the talent category.

Cooper will compete as Miss Samford in the Miss Alabama pageant in June.