Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) student Jamie Paul earned statewide recognition for her writing, placing second in the essay contest at the Tennessee Collegiate Honors Council Conference.
The conference, hosted this year by Milligan University, brings together honors students and faculty from institutions across the state to present research, share ideas and celebrate academic excellence. The essay competition highlights outstanding student scholarship and writing from honors programs throughout Tennessee, and Paul’s work stood out among submissions reviewed by conference organizers and faculty participants.
“I’m honored to have my work recognized among students from across the state,” Paul said. “The Honors Scholars Program at LMU has encouraged me to think deeply, ask better questions and push my writing further.”
A December graduate, Paul is an English major with a minor in writing and is actively involved in campus leadership and creative initiatives. She serves as president of AppaWriters, LMU’s creative writing club, and the university’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. Through her studies and involvement in the Honors Scholars Program, Paul has focused on developing her voice as a writer and engaging deeply with literary and academic inquiry.
The Tennessee Collegiate Honors Council Conference features presentations, panel discussions and keynote speakers designed to showcase undergraduate research and foster collaboration among honors programs. Sessions during the conference explored topics ranging from educational policy and artificial intelligence to theology, science and social issues.
The essay contest itself has roots at Lincoln Memorial University. The competition was established when LMU hosted the Tennessee Collegiate Honors Council Conference in 2024, creating a new tradition that continues to recognize exceptional honors student writing across the state.
Dr. Sandra Weems, associate professor of English and director of LMU’s Honors Scholars Program, said Paul’s recognition reflects both the student’s dedication and the strength of the program.
“Jamie’s achievement speaks to the intellectual curiosity and commitment to scholarship we see in our Honors Scholars,” Weems said. “Our students are encouraged to pursue meaningful questions and communicate their ideas clearly, and it is rewarding to see that work recognized at the state level.”
The Honors Scholars Program at Lincoln Memorial University provides academically motivated students with opportunities for advanced coursework, research, interdisciplinary learning and leadership experiences that prepare them for graduate study and professional careers.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email admissions@LMUnet.edu.
