Indiana State University has announced the Spring 2026 recipients of the Hines Memorial Medal, one of the University’s most prestigious academic honors.
The Hines Memorial Medal is named in honor of Linnaeus Hines, Indiana State University’s fourth president, who served from 1921 to 1933. The award reflects the University’s longstanding tradition of recognizing academic excellence and celebrating student achievement. It is awarded to students who entered Indiana State as first-time college freshmen and are graduating with the highest cumulative grade point average in their class—an achievement that reflects sustained academic excellence throughout their collegiate journey.
“These students represent the very best of Indiana State University,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “The Hines Memorial Medal recognizes not only outstanding academic achievement, but also discipline, resilience, and a commitment to growth. These students reflect the strength of our academic programs and the Culture of Care that supports student success. We are proud of their accomplishments and confident they will make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.”
“The Hines Memorial Medal recipients exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence at Indiana State University,” said Indiana State University Interim Provost Brad Balch. “Their intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and dedication to learning set them apart from the moment they arrived on campus. These students have fully embraced the opportunities available to them, and their success reflects both their individual efforts and the supportive academic environment we strive to provide.”
The 2026 Hines Memorial Medal recipients are:
- Tucker Allen, Cybercriminology and Security Studies major, Brazil, Indiana
- Avery Arthur, Music Education major, Greenwood, Indiana
- Connor Brownfield, English major, Plainfield, Indiana
- Jacob Burke, History major, Crawfordsville, Indiana
- Ashlyn Clark, Elementary Education major, Shelbyville, Indiana
- Emma Dickison, Elementary Education major, Harmony, Indiana
- Sean Donlan, Mathematics major, Terre Haute, Indiana
- Ashley Dunkin, Elementary Education major, West Terre Haute, Indiana
- Wyatt Hanaway, Cybercriminology and Security Studies & Criminology and Criminal Justice majors, Wolcottville, Indiana
- Alana Madison, Criminology and Criminal Justice major, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Cailin Meyers, Finance & Accounting major, Crown Point, Indiana
- Hannah Natschke, Finance major, Danville, Indiana
- Chloe Owens, Digital Communication and Media & Cultural Communication majors, Terre Haute, Indiana
- Samuel Owens, Cultural Communication & Digital Communication and Media majors, Rockville, Indiana
- Lily Randolph, Accounting & Finance majors, Chatham, Illinois
- Joshua Roberts, Communication major, Shelburn, Indiana
- Hallie Rue, Psychology major, Jasper, Indiana
- Emily Smith, Biology major, Clinton, Indiana
- Madelyn Steinkamp, Political Science & Human Resource Development majors, Rockport, Indiana
- Melanie Stock, Cybercriminology and Security Studies & Criminology and Criminal Justice majors, Westfield, Indiana