The Honors program is an advanced program in which qualified students are given the opportunity to participate. Students admitted into the program take courses that are academically advanced – courses that apply to their chosen majors and minors, as well as their general-education classes. The program, directed by Dr. Brian White, also has a committee of faculty who not only direct the program as a whole but also focus on advising admitted students.
“Graceland’s Honors program is a good opportunity for students to push themselves intellectually and to pursue projects that fit their own unique academic and creative interests,” said White. Students will have the opportunity to present some of those projects – including academic papers and posters – to a larger audience at the regional conference.
Usually there are around 150 to 200 people who travel to the annual conference. “It’s kind of an interesting undertaking to bring this many people to Lamoni,” said Dr. Dan Platt, one of the conference organizers. “They’re coming from hundreds of miles away to our little town for this conference. It’s very exciting.”
There are many preparations that go into such an event, and the Graceland Honors students have done much of the work.
Five committees consisting of Honors students have helped organize and will manage the conference. Each team – promotional, logistics, welcome, programs and activities – has its own student leader. Chase Wood, a sophomore and graphic design major, was chosen to lead the promotional team. “Being a leader has been an experience that has taught me a lot about working with others, recognizing when to delegate, and how to effectively communicate with a team in order to have the best results come from everyone,” she said.
The hard work of not only Graceland faculty and staff, but also those from other schools across the Midwest, will be showcased at the conference. The public are welcome to attend. The Upper Midwest Regional Honors Conference will be a special occasion for both Graceland University as well as Lamoni.
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
