High Honors

Truman Scholar

Chelsea Jackson 18C, an Emory College junior double majoring in political science and African American studies, has been named a 2017 Harry S. Truman Scholar. Only sixty-one other college students across the US earned the highly competitive national honor, which is granted to exceptional students in their junior year who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to a life of publicservice. Jackson is Emory’s first Truman Scholar since 2011. As part of the award, which is administered by the Harry S. Truman Foundation, Jackson will receive $30,000 for graduate study as well as professional development for a career in public service.

At Emory, Jackson has been involved in the university chapter of the NAACP and cofounded the Atlanta Black Students United, a group with black student representatives from every school in metro Atlanta. A BA/MA candidate and honor’s student in the Department of Political Science, Jackson aspires to lead the US Department of Justice as attorney general and is considering suggestions from professors to pursue a doctorate with her law degree, with an ultimate goal to become a Supreme Court justice.

“This is about what changes I can make that will make Emory different. That’s the legacy that was left for me, and that’s the mark I’m trying to leave for the next little black girl from Decatur. Then, the world,” Jackson says.

Scotland Bound: Emory College seniors (from left) Joan Shang, Julianna Joss, Jason Ehrenzeller, and Ekaterina Koposova were named Bobby Jones Scholars and will pursue a paid year of master's study at the University of St Andrews in Scotland for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Bobby Jones Scholars

Four Emory College seniors—Jason Ehrenzeller 17C, Julianna Joss 17C, Ekaterina Koposova 17C, and Joan Shang 17C—were named Bobby Jones Scholars and will pursue a paid year of master’s study at the University of St Andrews in Scotland for the 2017–2018 academic year. More than 250 Emory students have received the scholarship since its establishment.

Ehrenzeller, a double major in Spanish and international studies, will pursue a master’s degree in cultural identity studies at the University of St Andrews.

Joss, a double major in political science and dance and movement studies and a Robert W. Woodruff Scholar, will seek a degree in sustainable development.

Koposova, an art history major and anthropology minor, will pursue a master’s degree in art history. She hopes to return to the US after her year abroad to pursue a PhD in art history.

Shang, a biology major and Dean’s Achievement Scholar, will seek a master’s degree in global health implementation.

Luce Scholar

Kadiata Sy 15C, who completed a one-year master’s degree in Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asian security studies at the University of St Andrews as a Bobby Jones Scholar, has been named to the 2017–2018 Luce Scholars program. Sy is currently pursuing a master of arts in Islamic law at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

A native of Mauritania who spent her early childhood in a West African refugee camp in Northern Senegal, Sy earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and Middle Eastern studies from Emory. She hopes to gain new perspectives and cultural insights in the field of women’s empowerment through living and working in Asia.