ABERDEEN, S.D. — Two Northern State University alumni have earned law degrees from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law through a joint program designed to create a direct pathway from NSU's Honors Program to law school.

Mayson Coyle, J.D. '26, and Kylee Van Egdom, J.D. '26, were admitted to the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP) as undergraduate students at Northern State University. The program is a joint initiative between NSU and the Knudson School of Law to help solve the shortage of lawyers in the region.

"Before being introduced to the Honors Law Opportunity Program, I never imagined pursuing a legal career," said Coyle. "It opened my eyes to the power of advocacy and ultimately helped me discover a passion for public service law that has become the foundation of my career. My time in the Honors Program fundamentally shaped the path that led me to law school. Writing my thesis challenged me to think critically, conduct meaningful research and communicate ideas clearly — skills that became essential to my success in law school.

"The HLOP has had a tremendous impact on my life," Coyle added. "Without it, I do not think I would have considered attending law school. When HLOP was introduced during my time at NSU, it felt like the opportunity had arrived at exactly the right moment. The program gave me direction, opened doors I had not imagined for myself and helped me build the confidence to pursue a legal career."

Van Egdom said her time at Northern gave her the foundation she needed to succeed in law school.

"My time at NSU was truly one of the most meaningful chapters of my educational journey," said Van Egdom. "I had the opportunity to learn from incredible professors who were willing not only to share their knowledge in the classroom but also speak with me during office hours and create internship opportunities to pursue. My undergraduate education gave me a strong foundation in reading comprehension and critical thinking that prepared me well for the challenges of law school.

"I wanted to go to law school for as long as I can remember," Van Egdom added. "I knew I had my NSU people in my corner rooting for me. I knew I wanted to stay in South Dakota to practice law, so USD was my first and only choice. Overall, the HLOP process made me feel like I could be a lawyer. In a career where you face imposter syndrome daily, little moments of reassurance are precious. HLOP assured me that I was on the right track and I am extremely grateful for that."

Both Coyle and Van Egdom credit their professors and classmates at Northern and the Knudson School of Law for inspiring and supporting them, especially as first-generation law students.

"This program helps Honors students turn their academic success into professional opportunities,” said Honors Program Director Dr. Hannah Walters. “Mayson and Kylee's success shows what our students can accomplish.”

Both graduates have begun careers in public service. Coyle is clerking for the South Dakota Supreme Court and Van Egdom serves as a deputy state's attorney at the Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office.

The Honors Law Opportunity Program remains open to NSU Honors students. For more information about the NSU Honors Program, visit northern.edu.