Kaitlynne Franklin, a senior in political science from Rockford, Illinois, is Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2026 Lincoln Academy of Illinois student laureate. (Photo by Russell Bailey)
October 15, 2026
SIU Carbondale’s 2026 Lincoln Academy student laureate bridges community service, politics
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Kaitlynne Franklin has a dual goal for herself — excel academically and maintain a lifelong commitment to community service. The Southern Illinois University Carbondale political science major is the university’s 2026 Lincoln Academy of Illinois student laureate.
“I've always strived to do well academically, and I also value community service as well,” she said. “Being able to serve others is something that I've enjoyed doing since I was younger, and I plan on continuing to do that for as long as I can.”
Franklin will receive the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award during 2 p.m. Oct. 24 ceremonies at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois presents the award, along with a $1,000 stipend to one outstanding graduating senior from each of the state’s four-year colleges and universities. Students are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Student laureates also receive a Lincoln medallion and challenge coin. The ceremonies will be livestreamed.
Franklin, from Rockford, Illinois, graduates in May 2027.
‘Extremely grateful’
As an SIU student, Franklin has served as an Undergraduate Student Government senator and Black Affairs Council Board member, where she is finance coordinator. A dean’s list student throughout college, Franklin earned a six-month paid Alexander Lane Internship through SIU’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, where she worked with the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus as a communications specialist and legislative assistant during the Illinois General Assembly session. She was also a member of the Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a university-wide committee that includes faculty, administration and students.
Recognizing potential
In his nomination letter, J. Tobin Grant, professor of political science, noted Franklin’s “combination of intellectual ability, leadership, service and sense of purpose.” Grant first saw those characteristics in his course on American politics, where Franklin was not just prepared for class, but also showed a curiosity by asking questions “that showed that she wanted to understand concepts and apply them.”
Grant praised Franklin for her ability to participate in doctoral-level research, demonstrated by her inclusion in the highly selective American Political Science Association’s Ralph Bunch Summer Institute at Duke University, and her work with the political science department at Washington University in St. Louis during the summer in 2025. The experiences proved transformative, and solidified Franklin’s decision to pursue a Ph.D. in political science with a focus on race and ethnic politics — as Grant noted in his nomination letter.
“Our discipline is investing in Kaitlynne because they recognize her potential to add to our field,” he said.
‘Significance of leadership
Franklin noted that Abraham Lincoln’s dedication to service was accomplished in “many different capacities — the basis of each one being to represent and lead the people” who were not in the rooms where decisions were made. Leadership, she said, is also about creating connections along with “ensuring there is a safe space for everyone regardless of the circumstance.”
“There’s something special about being able to take concerns of others. That’s what leadership is,” Franklin said. “It’s not to build my resume, not to be the center of attention on campus — it’s listening and acting with intention, making decisions for the betterment of everyone. It’s having to take accountability for actions that you may not have even committed.”
Importance of SIU
Franklin is considering several schools for her doctorate in American politics. She said her experience in Springfield was invaluable. Leaving Carbondale for six months did prompt a mix of nervousness, excitement and optimism, but the experiences she gained were rewarding, she said. Working on press releases, assisting senators to ensure they had all the bills they needed for the day, or scheduling meetings for them, “was amazing, and it helped me grow personally and professionally.”
Franklin said her older sister attended SIU Carbondale about 10 years ago, so she knew that was an option. When it came time to narrow her choices, however, SIU “seemed to be the most persistent in wanting me to attend.” After meeting with faculty and staff during a June 2023 open house, Franklin was sold.
“I don't regret this choice because I don't think I would be the person I am today, had it not been for the SIU community guiding and molding me into who I have become,” she said.