KINGSTON, R.I. – April 30, 2019 – Less than a year after walking across the stage at the University of Rhode Island commencement, Nicole Pallozzi will cross another stage on Thursday, May 2, as she competes in the Miss USA pageant in Reno, Nevada.

Pallozzi, of Providence, Rhode Island, graduated in 2018 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a focus in marketing.

Pallozzi, 23, comes from a family of URI graduates – her mother, Paula ’82, in accounting; her father, Peter ’82, in communications; and her older brother, Andrew ’11/MSA ’12, in accounting.

During her days at URI, Nicole was very involved in campus life while maintaining dean’s list honors. She served as an orientation leader, tour guide and URI 101 mentor, along with being the public relations coordinator on the Executive Board.

Pallozzi, who competed in competitive cheerleading and track at La Salle Academy, has been modeling since she was 12, including walking in numerous StyleWeek and New York Fashion Week shows. She started competing in the Miss Rhode Island USA pageants in 2014, winning the title of Miss Rhode Island USA 2019.

Since being crowned last fall, Pallozzi has made numerous appearances around the state and region to support various causes, including volunteering with Special Olympics of Rhode Island and Best Buddies.

Follow her exploits on Instragram at @MissRIUSA or on Facebook at Miss Rhode Island USA. And cheer her on Thursday night as the Miss USA pageant airs on Fox at 8 p.m.