UCA alumna Natalie White beat out 20 contestants to become the winner of CBS reality show “Survivor: Samoa.”
White, 26, of Van Buren, was named the winner of the show during the season finale that aired live Dec. 20. She was presented a $1 million dollar check Dec. 21 on CBS “The Early Show.”
During the “The Early Show” interview, White said she was still in shock about winning the competition.
“It has not sunk in at all,” she said before being presented the check.
White, a former pharmaceuticals saleswoman, beat out an oil company owner and a doctor in the final episode.
White said during her interview with “The Early Show,” her strategy was “to build good relationships, be underestimated, and be the last standing.”Oil millionaire Russell Hantz was considered the front-runner for the prize, but a majority of the jury felt he played an unethical game. The jury awarded White the title for playing the game beautifully.
White plans to take her boyfriend on a vacation and save the rest of her winnings.
This is the second time an UCA student has won a reality show. Kris Allen of Conway was named the winner of “American Idol” during the season finale in May.
