The University of Kansas has nominated four students for Harry S Truman Scholarships this year.
The prestigious awards, given to college juniors for leadership in public service, provide up to $30,000 for graduate study, according to a KU news release.
“Criteria for the nominations include an extensive record of campus and community service, commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors, demonstrated communication skills, a high probability of becoming a ‘change agent’ and a strong academic record with likely acceptance to the graduate school of the candidate’s choice,” according to the release.
This year’s nominees are:
• Jaden Huehl, a junior from Sylvan Grove on the pre-law track, dual-majoring in journalism with a concentration in multimedia and secondary education with a concentration in English. Her parents are Jennifer and John Huehl.
“She plans to attend law school and become a children’s rights advocacy lawyer, using her education degree to understand childhood development and school systems and her journalism degree to amplify the voices of marginalized groups,” according to the release. “Huehl currently works as the producer of ‘Good Morning Indian Country,’ a weekly Native news and information program, and as youth coordinator for Connect Church in Lawrence. On campus, she hosts ‘The Crimson Chat,’ a weekly broadcast highlighting KU research and campus initiatives, and serves as a beat reporter for the University Daily Kansan.”
• Nora Jennings, a junior from St. Louis studying chemical engineering with a concentration in material science and minoring in creative writing. Her parents are Brian Jennings and Melissa Qualls.
“Jennings aspires to earn a doctorate in materials engineering to pursue further research with solar technology at the National Lab of the Rockies (NLR). This was inspired by a previous internship at NLR where she obtained hands-on experience with solar research,” according to the release. “She has also worked in the community as the founder and executive director of the 501(c) nonprofit the Solar for All Association.”
• Amelia Knopp, a junior from Manhattan studying accounting and sociology. Her parents are Ryan and Erika Knopp.
“She is majoring in accounting and sociology and is currently serving as a teaching assistant for ACCT 201 for the KU School of Business,” according to the release. “Her community service includes organizing and volunteering at campus blood drives on the KU Blood Drives Committee, using her experience as a blood products recipient to advocate for the life-saving donation of blood. This work has also pushed her to continue to serve as an advocate for her committee in various KU student organizations, and she has delivered remarks at the National Blood Donor Month press conference at the Kansas State Capitol.”
• Sasha Sharman, a junior/senior from Spokane, Washington who is triple-majoring in behavioral neuroscience, philosophy and data science. Their parents are Natalya and Christopher Sharman.
“They are also working toward a KU Service-Learning Certificate, Global Awareness Program certificate and are enrolled in the KU Honors program,” according to the release. “Sharman has earned departmental honors in psychology and serves as the chair of the Student Senate Elections Committee, as a University student senator and as president of the KU chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America.”
KU’s Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships coordinates the nomination process.
“Students interested in applying for the Truman scholarship in future years are encouraged to contact curf@ku.edu,” according to the release. “CURF can nominate a limited number of students each year, with the next application cycle beginning in fall 2026.”
Each year, a national selection committee narrows down about 800 nominees to about 60 students nationwide who earn the honor. Winners will be announced in late April. KU’s most recent Truman scholar was Samuel Steuart in 2019.
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