Pelican State News

Louisiana Tech University junior Ethan Jeffus has been named a Truman Finalist; he will travel to Texas for the final interview process this month. Jeffus is a Political Science major and student in the Honors Program at Louisiana Tech.

The Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive national scholarship program in the United States that seeks to identify and support outstanding students who plan to pursue careers in public service.

The application process is rigorous, and finalists are selected based on their academic achievement, leadership potential, commitment to a career in public service, and potential to make a difference in their communities and the world. Finalists are selected by a regional review panel, and then a national review panel selects the final scholars from among the finalists.

“Being named a Truman Finalist is a significant honor and a testament to a student’s hard work, leadership, and commitment to public service,” said Dr. Joe Koskie, director of the Honors Program. “It also offers valuable networking opportunities and access to a community of scholars and public service leaders.”

Jeffus has been inspired by Louisiana Tech classes such as Contemporary Problems in Government and Social Problems and has future aspirations of pursuing a law degree to advocate for social justice. He has been declared a Louisiana Ambassador by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and has received proclamations from both Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker and Minden Mayor Terry Gardner for his social initiatives, which include the “Little Free Pantry” provides access to free food in 14 cities across Louisiana and “Warming Elderly Tootsies” provides new socks to nursing home residents.

“Being named a Truman Scholar Finalist is a great honor. I am beyond humbled to be chosen by the Truman Foundation and for the opportunity to represent the University on the national level,” Jeffus said. “I feel my experiences gained through leadership opportunities at Louisiana Tech have prepared me for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to represent my University and state of Louisiana.”

If selected as a scholar, Jeffus will attend the 2024 Summer Institute where he will be paired with professionals working in public policy to learn how policies are created and programs are structured to ensure poverty and hunger insecurity is being addressed.  He will also receive a $30,000 scholarship to support his graduate education and leadership development.

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