Junior Ashley Poole was named a 2025 Truman Scholar on April 18, marking the first time a Hillsdale student has received the prestigious national award.
Poole, a Texas native, is one of just 54 students selected from across the nation this year for the scholarship, which honors college juniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to public service.
“When I heard that I had gotten it, it was a really fun day, and I was very taken aback by how excited everyone was for me,” Poole said.
Each college or university may nominate up to four juniors for the Truman Scholarship. Finalists are chosen from each state based on the student’s home state. Poole was one of 11 finalists from Texas, and was ultimately one of two selected from the state, though most states nominate one scholar per year.
Poole traveled to Texas the first week of March for her finalist interview, held at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library.
