Hometown: Armington, Illinois

Major: Education

Future Plans: Teach English in a middle or high school

Kelsey Lessen chose the University of Illinois Springfield because of the “small school atmosphere” and the Capital Scholars Honors Program. On campus, she is the treasurer of the Student Organization Funding Association, a member of Christian Student Fellowship and treasurer of Kappa Delta Phi. “My favorite part about UIS is the support from faculty and staff,” she said. “Because of the small class sizes and smaller campus, it’s easier to build relationships with professors and find support in your field when needed.” Following graduation from UIS, she plans to teach English in a middle or high school before working to get a master’s or doctorate degree in education.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.