Palmyra Native Recognized for Academic Excellence, Work Program Leadership and Campus Involvement
Blackburn College has named senior Rylee Lovelace of Palmyra, Illinois, as its Student Marshal for the 2026-27 academic year, the highest honor awarded to a graduating senior at the College.
Selected each year by the faculty, the Student Marshal title is reserved for a senior who has excelled academically while demonstrating leadership and achievement in Blackburn’s nationally recognized Work Program and across the campus community. Candidates must hold at least a 3.3 GPA or rank in the top 20% of their class.
For Lovelace, the honor carries particular meaning because it reflects how others at Blackburn view her contributions to the College. “To know that people around me see me as someone who fits this role and recognize the work I’ve put in over the years is incredible. Blackburn has given me so much throughout my time here, and I hope that when I leave, I can say that I have made an impact on the College just as meaningful as the impact it has made on me.”
Her Blackburn experience has stretched across the classroom, the Work Program, athletics, residence life and student government. This year, Lovelace will serve as student manager of Blackburn’s Student Life work department, the latest step in her four-year experience that has included roles as a residence assistant and residence director. As student manager, she coaches fellow students, coordinates hiring and training and oversees timecards for student workers across campus activities, residence life and other areas of the department.
Blackburn is one of nine federally recognized Work Colleges in the country and the only one whose Work Program is managed by students. “I came to Blackburn with previous job experience, but I didn’t know just how much I would learn from this program. It has taught me how to work with people who are different from me, how to manage people and how to communicate well,” she said. “I really enjoy having goals to strive for, so being able to work my way up to a Resident Director and Manager role has brought me so much joy. Overall, it has made me more confident as a future employee, and I know what I am good at and what I can bring to the table.”
Lovelace has paired her Work Program leadership with a strong academic record as a business marketing major and business management minor.
Dr. Carly Swalley, Professor of Business and Marketing and Department Chair, has seen that commitment in the classroom. “Rylee consistently represents the Business Department with excellence and takes great pride in everything she does. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to fellow students and professors, and her positive attitude and strong work ethic set her apart. She is an outstanding student and a truly deserving recipient of this honor.”
Outside the classroom and Work Program, Lovelace has been a member of the Blackburn women’s golf team and serves as Student Senate president this year. “Being part of the golf team was something I never saw myself doing. Serving on Student Senate has helped me grow a lot as a leader. It’s taught me how important it is to listen to other people, work together, and speak up for students. It’s also been a great way for me to feel more connected to the Blackburn community.”
Logan Elliott, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, said Lovelace “truly embodies” what it means to be a Blackburn Beaver. “Throughout her time at Blackburn, Rylee has balanced academic excellence with a commitment to leadership, service and advocating for her fellow students. Whether as a Student Manager, Resident Director, or Student Senate President, Rylee has always been willing to step up and use her voice to make Blackburn a better place. What I appreciate most about Rylee is how much she genuinely cares about Blackburn and the people who make up this community. She is never afraid to speak up, ask the hard questions or advocate for what she believes students need, but she is also willing to roll up her sleeves and be part of the work that follows. Rylee represents the very best of who we are and what we hope the Blackburn experience brings out in our students.”
Looking back on her experiences, Lovelace said her advice to new Blackburn students is simple: say yes. “What I have enjoyed the most here is the people and the opportunities. The connections I have made are why I am still here today. The support I receive from my friends, professors and supervisors means so much to me. Blackburn is such a close-knit community; I can make meaningful connections with the people I meet, and I know I can go to them for anything, even after I graduate.
“Try the sport, join the club, say yes to the committee, get out of your room and go talk to people. There’s so much you can get out of Blackburn, but you have to put yourself out there and try.”
Lovelace will graduate in May 2027 and plans to pursue a master’s degree, a decision shaped by her Work Program experience. “I’ve enjoyed working in Student Life so much and found a passion for it, so much so that I want to pursue a career in student affairs or higher education.”