FHSU University Relations
Fort Hays State University is proud to recognize political science major Grace McCord, Hays, for being selected as one of just 200 finalists in the national competition for the Truman Scholarship, selected from 800 highly accomplished applicants nominated by their universities. Truman Scholars are college juniors chosen for their commitment to pursuing a career in public service. Truman Scholars receive a scholarship for graduate study funded by the Truman Foundation, which was created to honor the values of President Harry S. Truman.
Finalists are selected through a highly competitive national application process that requires them to demonstrate a track record of public service, leadership, and academic achievement.
McCord has served her community through a number of service projects, including work with Jana’s Campaign and the Celebration Community Church Quilting Ministry, among other activities. In her career at FHSU, she has led the American Democracy Project and served as a senator in the Student Government Association, where she currently serves as the Legislative Affairs Director, as well as holding leadership roles in the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.
McCord has also been selected already to represent FHSU as a Tiger Ambassador, a Newman Civic Fellow, and a delegate to the Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program.
On March 21, McCord completed the final step in the application process through an in-person interview with former Truman Scholars and members of the Truman Foundation. This year’s Truman Scholars will be publicly announced on April 18. Typically, one or two Scholars are named for each state and Puerto Rico, although those numbers may vary by year; 60 to 65 Truman Scholars are named each year.
“Grace’s commitment to public service throughout her life embodies the mission of the Truman Scholarship Foundation,” said Wendy Rohleder-Sook, chair of FHSU’s Department of Communication Studies, Law, & Political Science. “Her work with the American Democracy Project and Student Government Association are two of the many examples of her service to the FHSU and Hays community.”
“Grace’s selection as a Truman Scholarship Finalist recognizes her passion for public service and identifies her potential as a future leader in this important work.”