Meet Lillian.

Lillian G. Lingenfelter is a dedicated educator and community leader with a strong commitment to public service and continuous learning. With extensive experience in education and local governance, Lillian is prepared to bring her expertise and passion to the Kansas Senate.

Lillian graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (Social Sciences), Spanish, and Political Science. She furthered her education with a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Leadership from American University’s School of Education in Washington, D.C. During graduate school, Lillian interned with the Kansas Department of Education. This fall, she will pursue a graduate certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University, highlighting her dedication to ongoing professional development, and growing her skillset to bring to the Senate. 

Lillian and her husband met while attending Emporia State University and have made Emporia their home for the past decade. She currently teaches high school social studies and remains committed to enhancing education and community engagement in Kansas.

Since being elected to the USD 253 School Board in 2021, Lillian has served as the district’s delegate to the Kansas Association of School Boards, and has served on the district’s policy committee. She has been Vice President of the board for the past year.  She also contributes to the community as a Commissioner on the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals for the Emporia-Lyon County Metropolitan Area. In 2023, Lillian's was selected as a Fellow in the School Board Partners Advanced and Expert Fellowship. This fellowship has enhanced her ability to serve students, teachers, and the community effectively. 

Both Lillian and her husband are proud, active alumni of Emporia State University. As an advisor for Emporia State University’s chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, she has provided guidance and leadership for seven years, earning recognition as a National Outstanding Advisor in 2022. 

An educator in public schools for the past six years, Lillian has been recognized for her excellence in teaching. She received the Kansas Horizon Award in 2019, which honors exemplary first-year teachers, and has been a two-time nominee for the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year award. Lillian has also completed Teach for America’s Rural School Leadership Academy in 2022, furthering her expertise in serving Kansas’ rural school districts.

Lillian graduated from the 2023 Class of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce’s Kansas Emerging Leaders program, which develops young leaders across the state. She currently mentors the 2024 class and is a nominee for the 2024 NextGen Under 30 Award, which recognizes young individuals for their talent, drive, and community service.

COMMITTED TO KANSAS.

“I am running for State Senate to give every Kansan the opportunity to send their children to the best public schools possible while ensuring that all of our residents have better quality lives. This means affordable, quality childcare, access to first-rate healthcare in rural Kansas, which includes freedom for women’s reproductive health care, and common sense gun safety reform.”