McKinney, Edde receive top student honors

McKinney, Edde receive top student honors

Office of Public Relations & Communications | 11/09/2026

Two seniors who exemplify Lipscomb University's Christian values and mission were recognized as Miss Lipscomb and Bachelor of Ugliness (Mr. Lipscomb) during Bisons Weekend chapel on Saturday.

Mia Grace McKinney has been named Miss Lipscomb, and Jonathan Edde has been selected as Bachelor of Ugliness for 2026. Among the university's most cherished student honors, these titles recognize graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, service and a commitment to living out their faith. The awards celebrate students who embody the spirit of Lipscomb and make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

This year, a committee of faculty, staff and administrators nominated seven female students and four male students for the prestigious honors. The undergraduate student body then voted to select the recipients, making the recognition especially meaningful as it reflects the admiration and respect of their peers.

McKinney, a native of Horn Lake, Mississippi, is a double major in political science and Spanish who has been actively involved in campus life as a resident assistant and member of Pi Delta, Sanctuary, University Chorale and Wind Ensemble. She also served as a host for Singarama 2026 and participated in a study abroad Maymester in Oviedo, Spain, in 2025.

"I see the honor of Miss Lipscomb as an opportunity to be a light to others and represent Christ well, just as we are all called to do in our individual lives," she said.

Following graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in global and international studies in Salamanca, Spain, through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Edde, a native of Pleasant Shade, Tennessee, is a piano performance major who has been actively involved in campus life through Quest Team, Theta Psi, the Avalon Trio, University Chorale and Lipscomb String Orchestra. He has also served as a Singarama director and participated in the Performing Arts Collective.

"Being named the Bachelor of Ugliness (Mr. Lipscomb) is an incredible honor and privilege," he said. "More than anything, it reminds me of all the amazing people who have made my time here at Lipscomb so special."

Edde plans to pursue a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Alabama, with the goal of returning to Middle Tennessee to perform and teach at the collegiate level while establishing a private music studio.