UofL student named Kentucky's only Truman Scholar

A University of Louisville junior has earned a 2017 Truman Scholarship. The award was given to just 62 U.S. college students and is valued at $30,000.

Judson Adams, a political science major, is Kentucky’s only Truman Scholar this year. This is the third year in a row that a UofL student has won Kentucky’s Truman Scholarship.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation announced the winners April 12. The prize recognizes college juniors with a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement who want to pursue careers in public service.

Adams plans to use his award to earn a law degree at Georgetown University and, afterward, to join the military’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, or JAG Corps.

During his time at UofL, Adams has been active in the university’s Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) where he was promoted to flight commander. He also is an officer, director of communications, in the Student Government Association and a frequent volunteer.

“I am incredibly humbled, honored and proud to represent the state of Kentucky as well as the University of Louisville as I go forward in seizing the opportunities made available to me through the Truman Scholarship,” Adams said.

“I had a feeling that Jud’s genuine spirit, humility and dedication to military service would shine brightly during his interviews for the Truman Scholarship,” said Patricia Condon, who directs UofL’s Office of National and International Scholarship Opportunities. “He will certainly maximize the Truman Scholar experience.”

 Adams, a native of Rineyville, said he had several mentors at the university.

“Without a doubt, I would not have received this award without Dr. Patricia Condon whose continual advice and guidance made this possible,” Adams said.

He also noted that he was helped and inspired by other professors, administrators and fellow students, including Laura Moyer, Jason Petti, Jeff Benedict, Charlie Leonard, Joy Hart, Joseph Turner, Mike Fowler, Remington Smith and Hannah Wilson.

Thirteen UofL students have been Truman Scholars since 1977, the year the national program was launched.