Ashlyn Smith was crowned the 2026 University of Tennessee at Martin Homecoming Queen during halftime of the UT Martin vs. Eastern Illinois football game on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
Smith, a senior health and human performance major from Clarksburg, Tennessee, ran as the representative from Chi Omega, where she currently serves as the recruitment chair. For Smith, Chi Omega has given her a sisterhood that has constantly encouraged and supported her throughout both her campaign and her time at UT Martin.
“Once I got in, I immediately felt that love and that connection, and I can just be myself around everybody in there,” said Smith. “They have been the biggest support system to me throughout all of this. I couldn’t be more thankful.”
Chi Omega accepts nominations from its members and then votes as a chapter to determine their homecoming representative. Smith is thankful for how the chapter rallied around her throughout the entire campaigning process.
“I didn’t know if I could do it for sure, but they supported me so much and hyped me up, so without their help, I don’t know where I would have been,” said Smith.
Marly Latta, a senior elementary education major from Paris, Tennessee and president of Chi Omega, was proud of how the chapter came together to stand behind Smith.
“It’s just an honor to get to see our chapter, especially in moments like this, work together,” said Latta. “I just think that it’s really something special about our chapter, how in times like that we were all one and that we can all work together to support her.”
Latta described Smith as a role model for others, something that was important for Chi Omega to have in their homecoming candidate.
“Something to describe Ashlyn is she truly is like a ray of sunshine,” said Latta. “ I think that she just is genuine. She’s kind to everybody. She’s driven, she’s hardworking, and everything that she does is, I think what she would want people to know, is for the Lord and for His glory.”
Smith is appreciative of the opportunity to talk with different people and organizations throughout her campaign, giving her a special look at the people that give UT Martin the small-town feel that first drew her to the university.
“I loved going and talking to all of the organizations and sports teams,” said Smith. “They have been nothing but welcoming throughout the whole process and seriously so nice, and I just couldn’t be more thankful than to meet new people, and I’ve actually made a few friends throughout all of it.”
Smith appreciates how many opportunities UT Martin has for students to get involved, and she encourages students to take advantage of them and become part of something bigger than themselves.
“It kind of feels like a big family, and there’s just so much that UTM has to offer and to get involved with,” said Smith. “Being a part of something is so special, and I just recommend to put yourself out there and meet new people, and don’t feel afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make the best memories.”
As the Homecoming festivities come to an end and she begins her reign as queen, Smith is grateful for the support she’s received from the UT Martin community.
“Thank you to everybody that came by my table or just said anything kind to me throughout the whole process; that just means so much,” said Smith. “This is the best ending to my senior year, and I could not be more thankful.”
