UofL student named Truman Scholar

University of Louisville junior Amanda Allen is one of just 58 U.S. college students who have been named a 2015 Truman Scholar, a prominent award that provides graduate education for public service-minded scholars and is valued at $30,000. April 16, 2015

Allen is the only college student in Kentucky to earn the award.

            Given by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the prize recognizes high-achieving college juniors with a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement who want to pursue a career in public service.

“Amanda is a superstar in every way,” said UofL President James Ramsey. “She is a leader on campus, the epitome of a well-rounded student and another example of the outstanding students who are excelling at UofL and winning prestigious scholarships. We’re proud of her.”

Allen, a political science and communication double major who will graduate in May 2016, will use the scholarship to pursue graduate degrees in law and education. She is a Louisville native and received both the Porter and Harlan scholarships when she graduated from duPont Manual High School in 2012.

Patricia Condon, who directs UofL’s Office of National and International Scholarship Opportunities, said, “It means a lot to the entire university community to know that Amanda was selected as a Truman Scholar. A veritable ‘who’s who’ of campus constituencies participated in mock interviews during Amanda’s candidacy for the scholarship and it’s gratifying to know that we played a role in helping her prepare for a career in public service.”

Political science professor Dewey Clayton, who has taught Allen in his classes, said, “Amanda is an outstanding student and well-deserving to be selected as a Truman Scholar – the department of political science is especially pleased to learn of her accomplishment.”

            Eleven UofL students have been Truman Scholars since 1977, the year the national program was launched. Before Allen, UofL’s most recent Truman Scholar was alumnus Evan Shepherd, an academic and football superstar from Hopkins County who won the prize in 2013 and is now studying law at New York University.

Joy Hart, a communication professor and executive director of the university’s honors program, said she was happy to see another Kentucky student earn the scholarship. “She’s already an exceptional student and this award positions her to become a leader in advancing educational policy,” Hart said.