Lindsey Wilson University

Lindsey Wilson University Honors Students, Staff Who 'Live, Learn, Lead'

by Venus Popplewell

Columbia, KY (04/23/2026) — Ten Lindsey Wilson University undergraduates and one longtime staff member were honored Tuesday, April 21 for their influential leadership skills and contributions to the Lindsey Wilson community. The eleven individuals were recognized at the 18th-annual L3 Student Leadership Banquet, held in the Roberta D. Cranmer Dining & Conference Center.

Former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor and member of the Lindsey Wilson Board of Trustees, Jenean Hampton, delivered the keynote address telling the students to focus on the mission.

"When you focus on the mission, it takes sexism out of the loop, it takes racism out of the loop and the energy is directed toward everyone doing their part and getting the job done," Hampton said. "Focusing on the mission takes a lot of the drama and problems out of the equation."

Hampton also stressed the importance of "guarding integrity."

"You need to step up if you see something wrong and say something. Do the right thing, even if it costs you, just know that it is worth it in the end," Hampton said.

Psychophysiology and history junior Connor Wilhoit of Campbellsville, Kentucky, added to Hampton's remarks, urging his peers not to shy away from their passions, even when they aren't the popular choice.

"Being passionate about a common goal is what separates a leader from a boss," said Wilhoit, who was among the students receiving leadership awards. "My generation has learned to hide our interests for fear of being labeled as 'cringey' which may lead to being ridiculed by others. What makes a true leader is to fight against the loss of passion and push back against apathy."

The 2026 L3 Employee Award was presented to Assistant Athletic Director Chris Wells. Wells has served Lindsey Wilson for more than 25 years.

"It's not an accident, right? I truly believe that great leadership breeds great leaders," said Wells. "We have great leadership on this campus - throughout our faculty and staff and within our student body."

Hampton closed her keynote address the same way she opened - reminding the students to pray for guidance.

"Take Jesus everywhere," Hampton encouraged. "Pray for guidance, every opportunity you get. I can't stress that enough and remember to enjoy your blessings."

Known as the L3 Award - which stands for live, learn and lead - the award recognizes Lindsey Wilson students and employees who exemplify the spirit to live, learn and lead throughout their daily work. The award is presented annually to three members of the Lindsey Wilson student body and one faculty or staff member.

The three top students recognized were:

- Sabrina Ruiz, arts administration and theatre senior from Louisville, Kentucky

- Connor Wilhoit, psychophysiology and history junior from Campbellsville, Kentucky

- Megan Whitson, English and communication senior from East Bernstadt, Kentucky

The 2026 L3 Employee Award was presented to Assistant Athletic Director Chris Wells.

The other students recognized were:

- Morgan Bryant, English and history senior from Shelbyville, Kentucky

- Atavya Fowler, art senior from Nassau, Bahamas

- Allee Harris, business administration senior from Harrodsburg, Kentucky

- Zachariah Lawson, English senior from Williamsburg, Kentucky

- Tezon Mitchell, art and art administration junior from Greensburg, Kentucky

- Collin Pike, education junior from Columbia, Kentucky

- Brice Starks, history sophomore from Columbia, Kentucky

Media Attachments

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Former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor and member of the Lindsey Wilson Board of Trustees Jenean Hampton delivered the keynote address at the 2026 L3 Leadership Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening. Eleven individuals were recognized for their influential leadership skills and contributions to the Lindsey Wilson community.

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The 18th-annual Lindsey Wilson University L3 Student Leadership Banquet honored 10 undergraduates on April 21. Seated, from left: Atavya Fowler of Nassau, Bahamas; Sabrina Ruiz of Louisville, Ky.; Megan Whitson of East Bernstadt, Ky.; Brice Starks of Columbia; Morgan Bryant of Shelbyville, Ky.; and Allee Harris of Harrodsburg, Ky. Standing, from left: Zachariah Lawson of Williamsburg, Ky.; Tezon Mitchell of Greensburg, Ky.; Connor Wilhoit of Columbia; Collin Pike of Columbia; and L3 employee award recipient and LWU Assistant Athletic Director Chris Wells.

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History sophomore Brice Starks, right, of Columbia, accepts his leadership award from Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey Jr. Starks was one of 10 undergraduate students recognized Tuesday at the 18th-annual Lindsey Wilson University L3 Leadership Banquet. The L3 Leadership Award recognizes Lindsey Wilson students and employees who exemplify the spirit to live, learn and lead throughout their daily work.

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Lindsey Wilson University President William T. Luckey Jr. presents one of the university’s three L3 Awards to Connor Wilhoit, middle, a psychophysiology and history double major from Campbellsville, Kentucky. Wilhoit was nominated to receive the L3 Leadership Award by LWU Dean of Admissions Traci Pooler, right. The L3 Award recognizes Lindsey Wilson students and employees who exemplify the spirit to live, learn and lead in their daily work.