Illinois College senior Emma Dunsworth ’27 recognized with Lincoln Laureate honor

When Emma Dunsworth '27 arrived at Illinois College from Arkansas, she was stepping outside her comfort zone.

Today, the senior is an award-winning student leader, collegiate athlete, world traveler and aspiring critical care nurse who credits her Illinois College experience with helping her discover her strengths and prepare for her future.

Dunsworth has been named Illinois College's 2026 Student Lincoln Laureate, recognizing her outstanding achievements in academics, leadership and service.

"I am so glad I chose to come to IC," Dunsworth said. "I have learned so much about myself, and I've found myself."

At Illinois College, Dunsworth has embraced opportunities to grow as a leader while preparing for a career in healthcare. She serves as captain of the women's swimming team, a hall director and president of the College's chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. She also helps fellow students succeed as a peer tutor in nursing and chemistry.

"One of the things that I've learned from being here and working in college is that I don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader," she said.

Her experiences extend well beyond the classroom. Dunsworth completed a nursing internship at Springfield Memorial Hospital, where she now works part-time as a nurse extern in the intermediate care unit. She has also participated in student-faculty research connecting psychology and nursing and pursued international learning opportunities in Spain and Cuba.

These experiences, combined with the support of Illinois College faculty and the campus community, have helped Dunsworth Graduate READY with the confidence, clinical skills and leadership abilities she needs to succeed in her nursing career.

For Dunsworth, the Lincoln Laureate honor represents both how far she has come and the kind of healthcare professional she hopes to become.

"I think it serves as a reminder to be courageous, be empathetic, be resilient, and be myself," she said. "I show up not just for myself, but for the people around me, and, in the future, for my patients."

The Lincoln Laureate recognition by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors college students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership and service while embodying the values of citizenship associated with Abraham Lincoln.