ABERDEEN, S.D.?– Northern State University’s Nkemdilim Chibuko recently achieved a milestone, winning first place in the arts and humanities category at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Chibuko’s research project, titled “Dehumanizing Discourse: Rwanda’s Genocide-Inciting Propaganda,” earned top recognition, highlighting her powerful work and the strength of Northern’s Honors Program.
Chibuko’s journey to this accomplishment wasn’t easy. Originally from Nigeria, she arrived at Northern feeling the weight of adjusting to a new country, culture, and community. "My first semester here, I struggled. I even thought about leaving the Honors Program multiple times," Chibuko shared. "But Dr. Kristi Bockorny encouraged me to stay, and her support really helped me find my footing."
Dr. Bockorny, a mentor to Chibuko, reflected on her growth: “As Nkem found her confidence in herself, she really started to excel here at Northern. Those first couple of months were full of adjustments, but I think she started to realize her potential and what was possible. Nkem is a talented student with a message to share through her research. I know she will do great things. It has been an absolute pleasure seeing Nkem flourish in the Honors Program.”
As she progressed in the program, Chibuko found mentors who guided her. In her junior year, she began the Honors Seminar and faced the challenge of selecting a thesis topic. She wanted her research to combine her interests in communication and psychology with today’s global landscape. Under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Shannahan, she developed her research proposal, exploring the role of rhetoric in dehumanizing discourse and leading to her focus on Rwanda’s genocide-inciting propaganda.
Dr. Shannahan encouraged Chibuko to submit her work to the conference. "I was shocked — and thrilled — when I was accepted," she said. Preparing her project was both exciting and challenging. Dr. Jeffrey Howard provided valuable support with statistical analysis, helping Chibuko deepen the psychological aspect of her research.
Reflecting on her experience at the Kansas City conference, held Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, Chibuko said, "Presenting my research and having judges recognize its relevance to current issues was deeply gratifying. I’m still in disbelief that I’m a national champion! I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me and saw potential in me when I didn’t see it myself."
This win marks the third time in recent years that Northern State University Honors students have claimed top honors at the conference, a testament to the dedication and mentorship within Northern’s Honors Program. Chibuko was joined by fellow Northern students Simon Bickford, Summer Carlson, Dante Casanova, Jacob Ebeling, Kendall Kelly, and Jessica Splichal, all representing Northern at the conference.
Chibuko’s journey from self-doubt to national recognition illustrates the transformative power of education, mentorship, and persistence. Her success reflects the supportive Northern community behind her.
