Blackburn College announces dean’s list for spring 2026

By Tribune Staff • Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester.

Area students include:

Maryville, IL

 Rachael Albert

Troy, IL

Jakeb Palmer
 Paige Schmelzer

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, coeducational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois. One of only 9 federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is home to the nation’s only student-managed Work Program. By combining personalized academics with meaningful work experience and professional skill development, Blackburn prepares students to graduate with more than a degree. Each student contributes to the campus community while building leadership experience, developing career-ready skills, and graduating with four years of professional experience on their résumé.

Recognized for both excellence and opportunity, Washington Monthly named Blackburn the top-ranked bachelor’s college in Illinois and No. 20 nationally in 2025, citing the College’s performance in alumni earnings, preparation for doctoral study, and service to low-income students. For 2026, U.S. News & World Report recognized Blackburn among the best colleges in the Midwest and as a top-10 Regional College in the Midwest for Social Mobility.