KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Travis Wright, a Whittle Scholar and junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, has been chosen one of 69 Truman Scholars nationwide for 1997.
Dr. Thomas Broadhead, director of the UT-Knoxville honors program, said Tuesday the Truman scholarship is worth approximately $30,000 and is one of the most prestigious awards a student can earn.
A graduate of Morristown Hamblen-East High School, Wright was UT-Knoxville’s nominee for the Truman Scholars, Broadhead said.
“Nominees and award recipients are selected on the basis of leadership, communications skills, academic achievement and commitment to pursuing careers in government or the not-for profit sector,” Broadhead said.
The Truman Scholar awards are funded by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, which was created by act of Congress in 1977 as its official memorial to the late U.S. president.
This year 369 U.S. colleges and universities nominated 717 students for the awards. Wright was the only recipient selected this year from a Tennessee college or university, Broadhead said.
The Truman award will help meet Wright’s education expenses as a senior and in graduate school for up to three years.
As a participant in UT-Knoxville’s College Scholars Program, Wright does not have a major, but his academic focus is in the areas of community affairs and domestic policy, Broadhead said.
Wright has founded two service organizations while a student at UT-Knoxville. One is the Homeless Awareness Project, which gives students the opportunity to experience what it might be like to be a homeless person. The other is called University Students Helping Elementary Schools Reach Success (USHERS).
Through USHERS, UT-Knoxville students have performed volunteer work at Belle Morris Elementary School.
Wright also is active in the Student Government Association, Intrafraternity Council and Team Vols.
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Contact: Dr. Thomas Broadhead (423-974-7875)