Trey Lamkins received a Student Luminary Award for his commitment to scholarship and leadership as well as his role in fostering a positive campus environment that improves quality of life for all students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He received the award, which includes a monetary award and a commemorative plaque, at the Student Luminary Award Reception on Friday, April 25, in the Willa Cather Dining Center.
The Student Luminary Awards are presented annually by the Office of Student Affairs. They are designed to shine a light on exceptional undergraduate and graduate students who make a difference through their leadership and extraordinary commitment to improving the campus or community while excelling in their academic pursuits.
“Trey Lamkins exemplifies the light we wish to see shining in the world as the next generation of students enters the workforce,” said Kim Todd, professor, Nebraska Extension landscape specialist and Lamkins advisor.
Lamkins is a senior Plant and Landscape Systems major with a horticulture option and a minor in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. He will receive his bachelor’s degree May 17.
Lamkins grew up on his family farm near Union, Nebraska, and graduated from Weeping Water High School in 2021. He credits his mother and grandmother for his interest in attending college, getting involved and excelling academically.
“The unwavering belief of my mom and grandmother in my potential, combined with their own love for plants, inspired me to pursue my education with passion and purpose,” Lamkins said. “My passion for plants and people stems from my family’s deep-rooted connection to horticulture and shaped my appreciation for horticulture’s role in everyday life.”
These influences solidified Lamkins desire to pursue horticulture as both a field of study and a career. He stated that one of the most fulfilling aspects of his major has been the ability to connect people with plants in meaningful ways.
“I was drawn to horticulture because it blends science, creativity and sustainability in a way that directly impacts communities,” Lamkins said. “Whether through landscape design, education or hands-on plant identification, I have enjoyed seeing how plants enhance environments, improve well-being and contribute to sustainability.”
Lamkins lost his mother to lung cancer five days before the start of the 2023 fall semester.
“Though her passing was devastating, it ignited within me a fierce determination to honor her memory by making a difference in the lives of others,” Lamkins said. “Her strength continues to inspire me, and I carry her lessons with me in everything I do—both in my academic journey and in my commitment to serving my community through horticulture and education. She taught me to stand up for the underdog, to lead with compassion and to find strength in the face of adversity.”
Lamkins’ involvement in many campus organizations highlight his commitment to leadership, service, communication and compassion.
As event coordinator of the Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement, Lamkins organized Husker Cancer Support 2025 in honor of his mother. The campuswide event aimed at raising awareness, honoring survivors and supporting those affected by the disease.
In addition, Lamkins serves as the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources representative on the Executive Vice Chancellor Student Advisory Board, vice president of the CASNR Student Advisory Board, president, vice president and primary programmer for Out in CASNR and is a member of the Horticulture Club. He was also a Homecoming Royalty finalist.
And if he wasn’t busy enough, Lamkins was a teaching assistant for Todd for multiple courses in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.
“I genuinely enjoyed teaching because it allowed me to share my passion for plants while supporting students in their learning journeys,” Lamkins said. “I found it especially rewarding to watch students develop confidence in plant identification and understand the ecological and aesthetic value of different species in the landscape. Most importantly, this experience solidified my interest in education, outreach and extension work — areas I hope to integrate into my future career in horticulture.”
Lamkins plans to purse a master’s degree in horticulture at Nebraska and to work in extension or education.
“Despite being diagnosed with a debilitating chronic disease, losing his mother to cancer and then continuing his strong connections to his siblings, Trey 'shows up for work' (attends classes) but gives selflessly of himself,” Todd said. “He lives his values, interacting with everyone with kindness.”
