By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – The Addison Chapman who arrived at the University of Nebraska at Kearney three years ago would probably have a hard time recognizing the person she’s become.
Once a shy student looking to step outside her comfort zone, Chapman is now a confident campus leader and aspiring school psychologist who’s making the most of her college experience.
She’s also UNK’s reigning homecoming queen, a distinction she received earlier this month.
“I was very shocked being named homecoming queen,” Chapman said. “I feel so honored by this recognition, and it is such a privilege to be able to represent Alpha Phi and all of my other involvements.”
The crowning ceremony was more than a memorable moment during homecoming week for the Grand Island native. It’s a reflection of the personal growth, meaningful relationships and impactful experiences that have shaped her time at UNK.
“I truly would not have imagined myself in this position as a freshman, and I am just so grateful for all of the opportunities I have had here,” she said.
Finding her purpose
Chapman chose UNK because it offered the perfect combination of academic opportunities, campus atmosphere and proximity to her family.
A recipient of the prestigious Board of Regents Scholarship, she was drawn to the university’s psychology program and its emphasis on community engagement. She also appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with faculty members and gain practical experience beyond the classroom.
Her interest in psychology stems from a longtime desire to help others, particularly children who need additional support.
“My mom is a special education paraprofessional. Seeing her work with children and make a difference in their lives has been so inspiring to me, so I wanted to do the same,” Chapman said. “Her job really opened my eyes to all of the opportunities in the education system.”
That interest led Chapman to school psychology, a field that combines her passion for mental health, education and working with children.
After graduating in May, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in school psychology at UNK, with the goal of eventually working in a school district near Kearney or Grand Island.
School psychologists play an important role in helping students overcome challenges that can affect their academic performance, behavior, emotional well-being and social development. They work closely with teachers, administrators and families to ensure students receive the support they need.
Chapman wants to be part of that collaborative effort.
“I want students to know there is someone in their corner who not only wants them to succeed but knows they can,” she said. “I also want to be an advocate for my students, someone who speaks up for them to ensure they’re getting the services they need.”
Learning beyond the classroom
Chapman isn’t waiting until graduate school to begin preparing for that career.
Through the UNK Honors Program, she’s pursued a variety of experiences that have strengthened her understanding of psychology and provided opportunities to apply what she’s learning.
As a freshman, she volunteered with The Spectrum Center for Autism and shadowed school psychologists and counselors, gaining firsthand exposure to the profession she hopes to enter.
She later worked with UNK associate psychology professor Katherine Moen on a research project examining bilingualism, anxiety and their effects on working memory. Using data collected through an earlier Undergraduate Research Fellows project, Chapman reviewed existing research and collaborated with Moen to prepare a manuscript that was submitted for publication.
The experience gave her a better understanding of the research process while strengthening skills that will benefit her in graduate school.
Moen, who has worked with Chapman as both an instructor and research mentor, praised her dedication, organization and willingness to explore the practical applications of psychology.
“Addison is incredibly hard-working and dedicated in every aspect of her life. She has the type of attention to detail that is truly rare to see,” Moen said. “She is the type of student that you love to see on your course roster. I have joked with her that I never want her to graduate so she can stay in the psychology department forever.”
Chapman is currently completing another Honors Program project with psychology professor Krista Fritson. The project includes wellness ambassador training through Buffalo County Community Partners and a presentation based on that experience.
“Being in the Honors Program has pushed me to seek out more experiences and challenge myself,” Chapman said. “It has instilled in me a strong work ethic that I know will benefit me in the future.”
She’s also a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, and has worked for the past three years as a testing center assistant at Central Community College, where she proctors exams for students.
Joining a community
While Chapman has excelled academically, some of her greatest personal growth has occurred through her involvement in campus organizations.
She joined the Alpha Phi sorority as a freshman, hoping to meet new people, develop leadership skills and become more confident.
“I was very shy in high school, and I thought joining a sorority would help me come out of my shell,” she said. “I also wanted to be involved in leadership and experiences that would help me in my future. Being in Alpha Phi has been all of this and more. From the beginning, I knew I had found ‘my people’ and I’ve since created relationships that will last for the rest of my life.”
Chapman immediately embraced leadership opportunities within Alpha Phi, serving as director of social media during her first year before taking on additional responsibilities as coordinator of alumni and family engagement and director of events.
She now serves on the sorority’s executive board as vice president of health, wellness and accountability, overseeing academics, risk management and emergency procedures, promoting health and wellness and planning chapter events. Chapman was a Panhellenic recruitment counselor in 2025, helping other students navigate the process of joining a sorority.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much Alpha Phi has impacted me,” she said. “I have grown as a leader, I have been pushed to try new things, and I have grown as a person. I don’t think my college experience would have been what it is today without Alpha Phi.”
Her involvement extends to two additional honor societies. She’s vice president of Order of Omega, which recognizes leadership and academic achievement within the fraternity and sorority community, and social media chair for Mortar Board, a national honor society recognizing college seniors for scholarship, leadership and service.
Balancing those commitments with her coursework, research and off-campus employment has required time management and dedication, but Chapman believes the experiences have been well worth the effort.
“While I recognize that Greek Life may not be for every student, it was certainly something that helped me meet new people, get comfortable on campus and grow as a student and person,” she said. “The FSL community is so supportive of one another, and I gained a lot because of that.”
Making a difference
As a senior, Chapman can clearly see how her experiences at UNK fit together.
The academic challenges have strengthened her knowledge and work ethic. Her research and volunteer experiences have helped define her career goals. And her campus involvement has developed the leadership, communication and interpersonal skills she’ll need as a school psychologist.
Moen believes that background will make Chapman an asset to any school district.
“Addison is going to be valuable to any school she joins,” Moen said. “Her commitment to applying psychology in various areas is going to help so many kids. Her joy and love for what she does is going to encourage everyone around her.”
Although Chapman is looking forward to graduate school and the opportunity to begin her career, leaving behind her undergraduate experience won’t be easy.
She arrived at UNK hoping to find her place on campus. Three years later, she’s found much more than that – a strong sense of purpose and a community of people who will continue to help her achieve her goals.
“My time at UNK has been amazing,” she said. “I have enjoyed every moment of the past three years. UNK has been such a blessing for me. I have met so many amazing people who have made this experience even more amazing.”
