Mallory Fuller

Mallory Fuller is no stranger to stage lights and auditoriums filled with people. But as all eyes turned to her on June 24, she experienced a sensation she described as “surreal.” With a sash across her shoulders and a crown atop her head, she achieved a dream 17 years in the making.

“It’s been a very long time coming,” Mallory said. “It’s been my dream since I was a little girl, so it’s very surreal to be actually saying I am Miss Texas.”

The 24-year-old Texas native, who is currently a graduate student at Baylor University, said she’s been involved with the Miss Texas organization since she was 6 years old. From the Lone Star Princess Program—a mentorship opportunity for girls ages 5-12—to competing in Miss Texas Teen, the organization has been a central part of Mallory’s life.

“When I first started competing in this organization, I was shy and awkward,” she said. “I did not like to talk in front of strangers. The opportunities I’ve had to push myself outside of my comfort zone—getting onstage, talking in front of thousands of people—have grown and shaped me.”

As Mallory has found her voice, she now dedicates her time to helping others do the same. Mallory is pursuing her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor. She intends to become a speech pathologist and says Baylor was a clear choice for her studies.

“I love that Baylor is not ashamed of our Christian values. It is so refreshing,” Mallory said. “My professors open every class in prayer. The faith aspect is something that is so important to me.”

Recently, one of her professors told the class that they “have the ability to give clients a voice when they don’t have one.” For Mallory, this resonated with her passion to make the lives of the people around her better. Blending faith into her work—inside and outside the classroom—is what Mallory said makes her Baylor education unique.

“I have nothing but amazing things to say about every single one of my professors at Baylor. You can tell that they truly care about us and deeply understand the material.”

As Miss Texas, Mallory plans to continue taking coursework at Baylor part-time. She will use her year of service through the organization to advocate for suicide prevention—a cause that she has long promoted.

“I lost one of my friends, Jonny, to suicide when I was in high school,” Mallory said. “It was really shocking and devastating. We didn’t expect it at all. Jonny was the last person we would have ever expected taking his own life.”

In the wake of Jonny’s passing, Mallory testified at the Texas Capitol alongside members of Jonny’s family. Their advocacy on behalf of the Jason Flatt Act helped passed the bill into law, making it mandatory for educators to be trained in suicide prevention annually.

“One of my biggest driving forces is the belief that if we are educated on the signs of suicide, we can help prevent it. My social impact initiative takes a proactive approach when it comes to suicide, to empower others to look out for warning signs in their friends and their loved ones.”

Mallory has written a children’s book on mental health, Henry’s Happy Heart. Her Miss Texas appearances will include a number of opportunities to read the book to elementary aged children in schools across the state. 

“Miss Texas and the Miss America organizations are the best personal and professional development programs that you could ever be a part of,” Mallory said. “Being surrounded by so many incredible women really makes you want to work hard to be an even better version of yourself.”

As the winner of Miss Texas, Mallory was awarded a $20,000 scholarship. She also received additional scholarships throughout this year’s competition for a total of approximately $25,000 in 2021 alone.

“Being able to take the scholarships from Miss America and apply them to my dream of being a speech pathologist and going to Baylor has been such a blessing. I’m so thankful that I have the opportunity to gain these scholarships.”

Mallory will represent the state of Texas in the 100th anniversary Miss America contest in December.