Originally from Grafton North Dakota, Kelsey Erickson was crowned Miss ND USA® 2009 on November 29, 2008.

“I have such a great passion to be a role model in my community. I love the Miss USA Organization because it gives women the opportunity to serve as a role model for millions. It empowers women to reach out and make a difference.”

Kelsey is currently a Senior at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where she is pursing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her goal is to eventually work with children as a pediatric or neonatal nurse in the wonderful state of North Dakota. She is active in the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, where as recruitment chair, organized and planned recruitment. She is also active in NSA (Nursing Student Association) and Campus Crusade for Christ. Kelsey loves animals and in her spare time she enjoys volunteering at the Circle of Friends Humane Society. She is currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Parkwood Place, an assisted living facility for the elderly through Altru hospital in Grand Forks. She also teaches figure skating for the Grand Forks Park Board. “I love working with people and connecting with them on a personal level.”

Kelsey is a huge supporter of the Big Brother Big Sister Organization. She believes it gives children the opportunity to reach their highest goals and dreams. It helps raise their self esteem and gives them hope and encouragement to strive for anything they put their hearts into. Kelsey loves being a role model to her many cousins and strives to make a great impact on the whole state of North Dakota.

Growing up in a small town, Kelsey learned the importance of becoming involved in your community and the impact you can have on others. Even in a small town big things can happen. In high school she was involved in FCCLA, Key Club, figure skating, cross country, cheerleading and also took piano lessons for ten years. She believes anything can happen when you have the passion and drive to make a difference.

Her passion is caring for others and helping people see the beauty in even the most difficult situations. Presently she enjoys running, nursing school, piano, snowboarding, volunteering, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kelsey is very grateful to have the opportunity to represent North Dakota in the Miss USA Pageant.

“First of all I would like to thank my parents, they have been the most amazing role models in my life. I would also like to sincerely thank all of my family, friends and community for supporting me through this whole experience. With your encouragement and faith you helped make this possible. It’s such an honor to be representing North Dakota, a state I love with all my heart. I couldn’t have done it without you! Love you all and thanks again!”