As undergraduate students at Northern State University, Mayson Coyle, J.D. ’26, and Kylee VanEgdom, J.D. ’26, were admitted to the Northern State University Honors and Knudson School of Law joint Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP).

HLOP is a joint student success program between Northern State University and the Knudson School of Law in which the law school guarantees admission spots to up to five select honors students upon completion of their NSU undergraduate degree.

Because of the unique partnership between NSU and USD’s law school, Coyle and VanEgdom were able to invest in themselves and their legal careers while building strong connections across South Dakota. Now as they begin their professional lives, their stories highlight the opportunities and impact of a program designed to provide an additional avenue for students to fulfill their dreams of being lawyer leaders.

“The HLOP has had a tremendous impact on my life. Without it, I do not think I would have considered attending law school, and I may never have discovered the passion I have today for the law and public service. As a criminal justice student, I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do after graduation,” said Coyle. “When HLOP was introduced during my time at NSU, it felt like the opportunity had arrived at exactly the right moment. The program gave me direction, opened doors I had not imagined for myself and helped me build the confidence to pursue a legal career.”

Mayson Coyle stands against a pillar in her graduation cap, sash and cords. She is smiling at the camera.

Both Coyle and VanEgdom credit their professor and classmates at NSU and The Knudson School of Law for inspiring them and then supporting their desire to acquire a law degree, especially as first-generation law students.

“At USD, my professors and fellow classmates became my biggest mentors,” said Coyle. “They challenged me to become a better student and future attorney while also making the learning environment engaging and enjoyable.”

VanEgdom cannot remember a time when she did not feel a sense of pride for her home state of South Dakota and a fascination for the criminal justice system. Attending USD’s law school and pursuing a dream to become a prosecutor was a choice she had no trouble making a couple years early.

“I wanted to go to law school for as long as I can remember,” said VanEgdom. “I knew I had my NSU people in my corner rooting for me. I knew I wanted to stay in South Dakota to practice law, so USD was my first and only choice. The choice was scary at times, but I had people who guided me along the way. Overall, the HLOP process made me feel like I could be a lawyer. In a career where you face imposter syndrome daily, little moments of reassurance are precious. HLOP assured me that I was on the right track and I am extremely grateful for that.”

Kylee VanEgdom stands in front of Old Main on the USD campus, wearing her graduation regalia. She is smiling at the camera.

Both Coyle and VanEgdom have begun their careers in public service. Following their graduation last May, Coyle is clerking for the South Dakota Supreme Court and VanEgdom serves as a Deputy State’s Attorney at the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office. They both credit their early career success to the connections they were able to build at USD Knudson School of Law.

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