Lesley J. Pruitt of Newport, a junior political science major at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, has been awarded a 2003 Truman Scholarship, ASU officials announced. This is a major achievement for Pruitt, the Department of Political Science, and the Honors Program. The award is given by the Harry S. Truman Foundation. 

Pruitt is one of only 76 individuals from 63 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the coveted award, considered by many to be the most prestigious American scholarship for undergraduate students. She is the only recipient from Arkansas. 

After completing her bachelor's degree at ASU in 2004, she plans to pursue law school and a doctoral degree in public policy. "I am amazed and excited," she commented, soon after talking to Dr. Les Wyatt, president of ASU, who called to notify her of her selection and to congratulate her. "Receiving this scholarship will help me in so many ways, such as the numerous networking opportunities I will have through the activities for Truman Scholars." 

Pruitt is a member of the Benjamin Crowley Society, the Honors Program mentoring group led by Dr. David Levenbach, director, and Dr. Wayne Narey, assistant director for student development. The society, now in its third year, has a goal of identifying and preparing future leaders. Several participants have performed very well in internships and national competitions as a result of their involvement. "I guess this shows that hard work can pay off," she continued. "Preparing the application and getting ready for the interviews was almost like having an extra class or two. The Honors Program really challenges students to do their best."

In her application, she had to describe a major problem and give her own proposed solution, including a description of the obstacles and challenges she would face. She also had to give her viewpoints toward a career in public service. Pruitt also traveled to Nashville for a personal interview with a selection committee. Dr. David England, Political Science, Dr. Ross Marlay, Political Science, Dr. Christopher Brown, Economics, and John O'Connell, Theatre Arts, also provided guidance to assist Lesley with preparing for the rigorous competition. 

The scholarship will provide funding for her senior year of college and up to $27,000 for graduate work in the field of public service. She will participate in Leadership Week for Truman Scholars in May, and will have a public service internship in Washington, D. C., in the summer of 2004. Her activities on campus include senator in the Student Government Association, Future Student Leaders Camp, ASU Honors Association and the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. She also participated in the Global Student Leaders Program last year, which took her to universities in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. 

Her public service activity includes the Kids First program, a subsidiary of Arkansas Children's Hospital and UAMS Department of Pediatrics. Her future career plans include public service work in the area of substance abuse. Her parents are Diane Atkins of Bono and Wesley Pruitt of Newport. 

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