Date of Award

Fall 2026

Document Type

Abstract

Degree Name

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Debra Dean

Abstract

Project Overview

More Than a Crown is a practical leadership and operational workbook designed to guide current and aspiring pageant directors through the process of developing, organizing, and executing a meaningful and successful pageant program. The workbook provides structured guidance for establishing the pageant’s purpose and identity, developing timelines and budgets, recruiting and communicating with contestants, coordinating volunteers and stakeholders, securing sponsorships, planning production elements, managing judging processes, and creating an intentional participant experience. More than an event-planning resource, the workbook encourages directors to approach pageantry as a leadership platform capable of creating confidence, connection, personal development, and lasting impact.

Project Themes

Several central themes are integrated throughout More Than a Crown, including strategic leadership, intentional planning, organizational effectiveness, empowerment, relationship building, participant experience, purpose, and sustainability. A recurring theme is that successful leadership requires more than having a vision; leaders must develop systems, communicate expectations, engage others, manage resources, adapt to challenges, and translate ideas into measurable action.

Contributions to the Field of Leadership

More Than a Crown contributes to the field of leadership by demonstrating how strategic leadership principles can be applied within a specialized, community-based setting. The project illustrates the role of the leader as visionary, planner, coach, communicator, decision-maker, and culture builder. It provides an applied example of how leadership theory can be transformed into practical systems and processes that guide others toward a shared objective. The workbook also reinforces the importance of leadership development through experience, showing how structured planning, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, adaptability, and reflective practice can strengthen both organizational outcomes and the individuals being served. By positioning pageant direction as a leadership function rather than solely an event-management activity, the project broadens the discussion of where and how strategic leadership can be practiced.

Real-World Implications

The real-world value of More Than a Crown lies in its ability to serve as a replicable resource for individuals seeking to establish or strengthen a pageant program. Directors can use the workbook as a roadmap to reduce uncertainty, improve organization, strengthen communication, manage resources more effectively, and create greater consistency throughout the planning process. The framework may also help minimize common operational challenges by encouraging directors to address critical decisions and responsibilities before they become problems.

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