Debra Dene Barnes

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Debra Dene Barnes from Pittsburg, Kansas, was Miss America 1968.

Debra was raised in Moran, Kansas. Upon graduation from high school she attended Pittsburg State Teachers College in Pittsburg Kansas and majored in music.

After winning the Miss Kansas pageant she went on to compete in the Miss America pageant. A talented pianist she played the theme from "Born Free" as her talent entry.

Currently, Debra is an associate professor of piano studies, music in the elementary schools, and a staff accompanist. She comes to MSSU with over 35 years of piano teaching experience. In private instruction or in the “class piano” format, Debra’s students have ranged in age from 5 to 87 years.

A graduate of Pittsburg State University, her performances include two concertos with the PSU orchestra and, most recently, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, with the Carthage Symphonic Band. As a former Miss America, she has performed in 41 states and 3 foreign countries, on network television, numerous cable stations, and still maintains an active performance schedule. Mrs. Snodgrass is also a recent winner of the Wadill Chamber Music Competition held at Pittsburg State University in March of 2007. Her upcoming performances include a performance of Chopin's Concerto No. 2 in f minor with the Southeast Kansas Symphony in April 2008.

Preceded by Jane Anne Jayroe

Miss America 1968

Succeeded by Judith Ford