Jonesboro, AR — (Contributed) — March 10, 2025 — Junior political science major Rocco Hicks of Prattsville has been named as a finalist for The Truman Scholarship.
“To be selected as a finalist means the world to me. Seeing the dedication, hard work, and literal years of preparation makes me feel over the moon with excitement as I proceed through the rest of the application process,” said Hicks.
Hicks is one of 201 students from 137 institutions selected from more than 700 applicants nationally. He is one of three Arkansans who are finalists.
“Having a finalist from A-State is a testament to the caliber of education and experience that our campus provides to students from all walks of life,” said Tabatha Simpson-Farrow, coordinator of Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships.
“Students who study here have the opportunity, not only for a robust education, but to enrich their worldview and develop all the skills necessary to contribute to communities, local and global.”
Those considered for this award are students seeking a career in public service.
“I applied for the Truman Scholarship because I want the platform to change the world through public service,” Hicks added. “Furthermore, this scholarship has been my dream since I came into A-State as a freshman.”
Hicks will be interviewed by the Truman Foundation’s regional review panel on Wednesday, March 19, in Nashville. He said he is working alongside Simpson-Farrow to prepare for the interview.
“The Office of Student Research and Scholarship and I are planning for the interview by practicing questions and going through mock interviews every day,” said Hicks.
“The mock interviews are an integral step in ensuring that Rocco is prepared to compete in the next stage of the Truman process,” added Simpson-Farrow. “All finalists are equally qualified on paper; the interview is a student’s opportunity to make a personal connection and distinguish themself to the Truman panelists.”
Qualifications for this scholarship include a demonstration of leadership, a commitment to a future in public service, and those who are on the path to graduate school. Truman scholarship recipients receive a $30,000 award they can use toward graduate school.
This scholarship was established in 1975 as a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and as a national monument to public service. This year, the award celebrates its 50th year of helping students achieve their dreams of a future in public service.
Interviews of finalists will conclude in April, with an announcement of the recipients following.
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