Meet Heather Neilson 2015 Ole Miss Homecoming Queen

Heather Neilson’s reaction when she found out she was the 2015 Ole Miss Homecoming Queen on the steps of the Lyceum

Heather Neilson, an Integrated Marketing Communications major and Ole Miss senior, is beyond thrilled to represent not only the University community, but the Oxford community as well.

Heather, an Oxford native, grew up cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels.

Neilson, an Oxford native, has been involved in Ole Miss ever since she was born. “Ole Miss has always been home to me, one of the things I love about it is the family environment, and being able to meet so many new people through classes who instantly become some of your best friends. Ole Miss is really one big family.”

Neilson has a sister who is a junior at Oxford High School, and another sister who is a freshman- both who are on the homecoming court at the school. OHS Homecoming is on Friday night, while Ole Miss Homecoming is Saturday night. “A really neat thing about this weekend is that I get to share it with my sisters, who are much younger than me. I’m so excited we get to share the weekend together, and it’s going to be something we never forget.”

Neilson, an Integrated Marketing Communications major, plans to pursue a career in Public Relations after graduation.

After graduation, Neilson plans on moving to Washington D.C. to pursue a career in public relations and policy. Neilson is very active and involved in campus life. She is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Senior Class Secretary and Treasurer, Ole Miss Ambassador, Student Alumni Council, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and ASB Director of External Affairs, just to name a few.

In her spare time, Neilson volunteers for the Big Event, Boys and Girls Club, More than a Meal, Green Grove Initiative, Feed the Hunger Pack-a-thon, Rebelthon, and sings in the Celebration Choir at First Baptist Church.

As soon as she found out she was the 2015 homecoming queen, Neilson had to run off to class. “My parents were at the announcement at the Lyceum, and after I went to class we celebrated by going out to dinner,” Neilson said.

Her dress shopping experience was another special memory that Neilson will always remember. “We knew that we wanted to get the dress locally, we shopped around and I tried on a lot of different dresses. We went to Engagements in Oxford and finally we pulled a dress that I absolutely fell in love with. I didn’t try on anymore after that, because we knew it was the one.”

Heather Neilson is the 2015 Ole Miss Homecoming Queen.

Neilson said she never thought about running for queen until last winter. Members of her sorority pulled her aside and asked if she was interested in running. Once the decision was finalized, campaigning began.

The 21 year old feels humbled and blessed by the entire experience. “I’m excited to represent the University in such a large capacity- it’s such a blessing and really special since it’s the 100 year anniversary of Vaught-Hemingway stadium.” (Ole Miss’ football stadium opened in 1915.)

Kathryn Winter is a social media editor and staff writer for HottyToddy.com. Email her at kathryn.winter@hottytoddy.com