Commencement Spotlight: Emily Linklater

Commencement Spotlight: Emily Linklater

Hailing from Belton, Texas, Emily Linklater came to Sam Houston State University with a clear purpose to pursue a career rooted in service, advocacy and making a difference in people’s lives. Now graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and minors in History, Psychology and Political Science, she is leaving SHSU with not only an impressive academic record but a powerful sense of direction.

Linklater chose SHSU for its strong reputation in criminal justice and the opportunity to be part of a close-knit campus community.

“I wanted to go to a school that was one of the best for my degree, but also somewhere I could build lasting relationships with my professors,” she said. “That smaller, tight-knit culture really mattered to me.”

Driven by a deep desire to help others and guided by what she describes as an “unshakeable moral compass,” Linklater knew early on that criminal justice was the right path.

“I want to be a comfort and a guide to someone on what could possibly be their worst day,” she said.

During her time at Sam, Linklater immersed herself in campus life. As a member of the Pre-Law Society, she gained valuable experience preparing for the LSAT and earned a scholarship for an LSAT prep course. She also served as a Lead Peer Health Ambassador with the Student Wellness office, where she educated fellow students on important health topics in engaging and approachable ways. Her dedication to student wellness will take her to the national stage this summer, where she will present at the American College Health Association conference in Denver.

Linklater’s involvement didn’t stop there. As a member of the Honors College, she will graduate with her honors medallion and has spent time volunteering with organizations such as Providing Smiles and Understanding Needs, connecting with individuals with special needs and giving back to the community. She also participated in service initiatives like Empty Bowls and regularly donates blood, something she values deeply after growing up hearing firsthand from her father, an ER doctor, about the life-saving impact of donations.

Inside the classroom, Linklater took full advantage of SHSU’s wide range of academic offerings. From studying artificial intelligence in the workplace to exploring the psychology behind eyewitness testimony, her coursework challenged her to think critically and expand her perspective. One particularly meaningful experience included interviewing her grandfather about his service during the Vietnam War, an opportunity that connected her academic journey to her personal history.

Beyond academics and involvement, SHSU also played a pivotal role in Linklater’s personal growth. After years of struggling with anxiety, she had a turning point during her sophomore year that led her to seek help and receive a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

 “Getting a diagnosis was one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” she said. “I was finally able to put a name to what I was feeling and understand that it was okay to ask for help.”

With support from healthcare providers and the Student Wellness team, she learned to manage her mental health and has since become an advocate for reducing stigma around these challenges.

That resilience carried her through one of her biggest accomplishments: being accepted into law school. After months of rigorous LSAT preparation, including tutoring from an accomplished legal professional, she earned admission to her top-choice school, Gonzaga University School of Law, along with a $41,000 scholarship. While the move to Washington State is a big step, she credits SHSU with giving her the confidence to embrace opportunities, even those that feel intimidating.

 “If Sam taught me anything, it’s not to be afraid to do amazing things just because they make me nervous,” she said.

Looking ahead, Linklater plans to pursue a career in criminal defense, with a particular interest in serving incarcerated populations. Having grown up near a prison system, she developed a strong belief that individuals should not be defined by their worst mistakes. Her goal is to guide and advocate for people navigating the complexities of the legal system during their most challenging moments.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her life, she believes it is the people of Sam Houston State she will miss the most.

“I love walking around campus and having people smile at me. It’s a place where people genuinely look out for each other.”