Lincoln University senior Megan Twehus was named the recipient of the Robert J. Greef Award, an annual honor recognizing top students in English education from colleges and universities across Missouri, according to an April 17 announcement.
The award highlights exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character, and involvement in departmental activities among English education majors. The recognition is named after Robert Greef, a former president of both the Missouri Association of Teachers of English and the Missouri Council of Teachers of English, as well as a longtime educator at the University of Central Missouri.
Twehus has demonstrated strong academic performance during her time at Lincoln University. In 2025, she was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta through faculty nomination. Her writing has been published in both the 2025 and 2026 editions of Arts & Letters. She also presented critical writing at the 2026 Sigma Tau Delta Convention held in New Orleans.
A native of Jefferson City, Missouri, Twehus plans to teach high school English and Spanish after earning her bachelor’s degree. As part of receiving this award, she attended the annual Write to Learn conference where educators from across Missouri participate in workshops and professional development sessions.
“In the time I have known Megan inside and outside the classroom, I have come to recognize her remarkable ability to communicate with grace and thoughtfulness, her literary aptitude, and her creative gifts as a writer,” said Eli Burrell, professor of English at Lincoln University. “It was an absolute pleasure to nominate her for this award—she has certainly earned it.”
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension offers more than 50 undergraduate and master’s programs according to its official website. The university features competitive Division II athletics programs as well as the Marching Musical Storm according to its official website. It maintains a diverse student body from across the nation and globally according to its official website, drawing students worldwide according to its official website. Lincoln University Cooperative Extension focuses on educating students while fostering community development through its various programs according to its official website.
The institution is noted as being the only historically Black college or university established by formerly enslaved Black soldiers according to its official website.
