The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation announced today (March 24) that junior political science and philosophy major Joshua Whitehair is West Virginia University’s newest Truman Scholar, bringing the total to 14 since the awards inception in 1975.
Whitehair, the son of Marie Whitehair of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was one of 219 finalists from 146 institutions across the country who competed for the prestigious scholarships. The Truman Scholarship Foundation the federal memorial to our thirty-third President awards merit-based $30,000 scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.
Whitehair said he will use the scholarship to fund law school. He intends to concentrate on the area of civil rights, which he became interested in while researching the topic for intercollegiate policy debate competition last year. Since that time, Whitehair has explored civil rights in his college courses, saying”my overall college experience at WVU enlightened me to this issue.”
“Joshua Whitehair continues a long-line of outstanding Truman Scholars from WVU , which includes Jay Cole who is completing his PhD in education and John Unger who is in the West Virginia State Senate,”said Louis Blair, executive secretary of the Truman Scholarship Foundation.
WVU President David C. Hardesty noted,”Today is a great day for the University and a great day for Joshua. We are very pleased that one of our family has been recognized for his interest in public service, which we encourage in our students.”
Whitehair is a 1997 graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School, where he was a member of student council, the marching band, National Honor Society and Key Club. At WVU , Whitehair leads the debate team as president and co-captain. His other college activities include Golden Key National Honor Society, Honors Council, Phi Sigma Sigma policy studies honor society and Phi Sigma Alpha political science honorary. He most recently participated in the Frasure-Singelton Legislative Internship program.
WVUs Truman Scholar faculty representative Robert DiClerico said of Whitehair:”He is a straight 4.0 student who has been actively involved in the life of the campus from the time he arrived. He intends to devote his career to protect the civil rights of the more vulnerable members of our society, and his ultimate career goal is to work in the civil rights division of the US Justice Department. This combination of factors, namely keen intellect, demonstrated leadership ability and a commitment to public service is precisely what the Truman Scholarship Foundation is looking for.”
WVU received special recognition from the Truman Foundation in 1996 when it was named one of 17 inaugural Truman Scholarship Honor Institutions.
“Professor DiClerico has been especially effective in spotting strong candidates, convincing them to apply, encouraging them during the process and making sure that they grow from the experience regardless of the outcome,”Blair noted.”Personally, I have found Dr. DiClerico to be one of the most caring, committed faculty members I have encountered in my 11 years at the Truman Foundation.”