Brent Simpson was named Mr. UTM 2004 on Tuesday, March 30, at the fourth annual Mr. UTM pageant sponsored by the sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha.

“I had fun meeting all the guys, and it’s a great honor. I want to thank everybody,” said Simpson, a senior Graphic Design major from Jackson, Tenn., who was representing Alpha Tau Omega.

First runner up was Ben Glassgow, and second runner up was Marc Calixte. Wes Huckaba took the title of Mr. Congeniality.

Also included in the top eight were Chad McMann, Michael “MJ” Jackson, Adam Johnisee and Brett Shrader.
Other contestants that competed were Kevin Youngblood, Brent Harris, Brandon Ash, Lucas Jones, Joey Pierce, Blake Carrington, Patrick Tarver and Shawn Mullikin.

The men represented several Greek organizations along with the UTM football and softball teams.

The theme for the pageant was “Think Pink.” All proceeds from the event benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

There were three categories consisting of casual wear, swim wear, and formal wear. The top eight contestants had a final shot at winning Mr. UTM in the final round which was a question and answer category.

Mr. David Belote and Ms. Vishenia I. Huery served as the masters of ceremony. The judges were Tina Roney, Tomi McCutchen Parrish and Steve Vantrease.

During intermission, five-year-old John Nicholas White entertained the audience by singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

Belote and senior communications major Nicole Bennington presented White and his mother a check for $200 in donations that was raised in his honor at the SAC Chocolate Fest in February.

“I really enjoyed putting Mr. UTM together. We had a great turnout and we appreciate everyone’s support in our fight against breast cancer,” said Jennifer Heer, Service Chair for Zeta Tau Alpha.