McKendree University Senior Named Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois
LEBANON, Ill. (Nov. 2, 2026) – McKendree University senior Kelsey Lyles has been named a 2026-27 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, receiving the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award in recognition of her strong academic achievements and contributions to psychology. The award recognizes seniors at four-year institutions for their dedication to academic and extracurricular activities and their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
“Kelsey Lyles is exceptional,” said Associate Provost Alan Alewine. “She is a model citizen for McKendree University. Her scholastic record and initiative will make her a solid psychologist. It will also make her a first-rate Student Lincoln Laureate.”
Lyles, a psychology major with a minor in clinical and counseling psychology, is pursuing two thesis projects: one on the stigmatization of mental illness and another on the power of AI chatbots to build trust in mental health advice. She previously served as a Fulbright-Canada Mitacs Globalink intern at the University of Regina, where she studied the reliability of children’s memories of events. For the past five years, Lyles has worked as a board-certified autism technician.
“Kelsey represents the very best of what we hope to inspire in our students at McKendree,” said McKendree University President Daniel C. Dobbins. “Through her research into important mental health issues and her work supporting individuals with autism, she has demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and pleased to see her recognized with this well-deserved honor.”
Lyles was honored on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ Student Laureate Convocation in Springfield. To learn more about the Student Laureate award, please visit the academy’s website.
About McKendree University
Founded in 1828 as the first institution of higher education in Illinois, McKendree University is a nationally ranked private university in Lebanon. McKendree offers undergraduate, graduate and online programs that provide a personalized, high-quality educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership development and lifelong learning. McKendree is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Midwest’s Best Regional Universities, Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans. Learn more at www.mckendree.edu.
