Deborah Irene Bryant, from Overland Park, Kansas, was Miss Kansas 1965 and was crowned Miss America 1966. Bryant was 19-years old when won the preliminary swimsuit competition and, the next day, was announced as the winner of the crown. After graduating in the top ten of her high school graduating class, Bryant went on to attend Columbia College on a full academic scholarship, during which time she represented Kansas in Atlantic City on September 11, 1965 in the Miss America Scholarship Pageant. Following her year of service as Miss America, Bryant continued her education as an English major at the University of Kansas, graduating Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa. During her year of service, she spoke in support of "Project Concern" which provided medical support to undeveloped countries. Bryant remains active in community service for numerous charitable projects. She was a member of the Mesa Desert Club, which provides scholarships to qualified needy high school graduates, and was also a past member of the Phoenix Junior League. Bryant currently resides in Arizona with husband, Brent. Together they have five children and four grandchildren.