Lincoln University Alumna Elle Michelle to Keynote 2026 New Student Convocation

Nationally recognized speaker, media personality and community leader Gabrielle “Elle Michelle” Williams Bland ’16 will deliver the keynote address at New Student Convocation on Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Mitchell Auditorium.

Lincoln University will welcome alumna Gabrielle "Elle Michelle" Williams Bland '16 as the keynote speaker for the university's 2026 New Student Convocation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Mitchell Auditorium.

New Student Convocation marks the official welcome for Lincoln University's newest students as they join the Blue Tiger family. During the annual tradition, students receive the charge to uphold the university's mission and carry forward the ideals and aspirations embodied in the "Soldiers' Dream" — education and empowerment for all.

Elle Michelle is the owner of Elle Michelle Media LLC, a media and storytelling firm specializing in story, stage and screen. As a corporate emcee, philanthropic keynote speaker and media correspondent, she brings strategic storytelling and authentic engagement to high-impact events and community development initiatives. Her work is rooted in one essential philosophy: Be a Bonfire in a Cold World. She believes legacy moves at the speed of relationships, and her work is built on that foundation.

A 2016 Lincoln University graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in public relations, Elle Michelle holds a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she served as the 90th Miss Lincoln University during the 2014-15 academic year. She is the founder of Queens United Leadership Academy Inc., a nonprofit organization founded on the campus of Lincoln University that is now active in Missouri and Florida. Working alongside Lincoln University staff, students and alumni who have helped sustain Queens United, Elle Michelle has built a community centered on mutual growth.

The intersection of Dunklin Road and Chestnut Street was adopted and named in honor of Queens United, a recognition presented by a graduate as a gift to the Queens United Class of 2024 and later commemorated through a resolution by the state of Missouri. She is also an award-winning author whose bestseller, Bonds Beyond Scars, reached Amazon's Top 20 list for inner child healing books.

Throughout her career, Elle Michelle has been empowered by the communities she serves to leave every place greater, better and more beautiful than she found it — a commitment rooted in Lincoln University's enduring mission. Working in partnership with young professionals, she has mentored thousands while being shaped by their resilience, wisdom and dreams. She was recognized as a 2024 Top 20 Under 40 honoree by Florida Black Excellence and as one of Lincoln University's 2023 Top 40 Under 40.

Returning to campus as the keynote speaker, Elle Michelle will share a message centered on authentic leadership, the transformative power of relationships and the legacy that emerges when people choose to be bonfires for one another.