The University of New Mexico is becoming a hub of Truman Scholar recognition. 

UNM senior Jesus Sanchez, is one of 191 Truman Scholar finalists selected from this year’s pool of 709 nominations across over 285 institutions. Sanchez is scheduled to interview in March.  

“The Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive award that selects students with the potential to become change agents,” Honors College Scholarship Coordinator Kiyoko Simmons said. “Jesus has demonstrated leadership and service aimed at enhancing the college experience for students by addressing basic needs studies. I am excited about Jesus advancing to the Truman Finalist Interview. Wishing him the best of luck!”

The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious national scholarship awarded to outstanding college juniors and seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service. Named after President Harry S. Truman, the scholarship is intended to provide $30,000 funding to pursue graduate education in preparation for a career in public service. 

“Words cannot describe how honored I am to be selected as a Truman finalist! I have so many people I’d like to thank, chief among them being my mentor, Dr. Sarah Dreier. I would not be studying Political Science if not for her faith in me and continuous support in my academic journey,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez studies Political Science and Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts (HILA), and is not only enrolled in the Political Science Honors program, but its dual bachelor’s and master’s program. In addition to working as a staff member for Conceptions Southwest magazine, and previously serving as an intern on the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee, Sanchez has been selected as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow. 

“Jesus is as creative and compassionate as he is intelligent and engaged. I've learned a lot working with him and I am proud that he will represent UNM on the national stage as a Truman Finalist. Congratulations, Jesus,” MMUF Mentor and Political Science Professor Sarah Dreier said. 

His research analyzes the impact different forms of welfare have on income inequality.  He aims to continue this in an Honors College capstone project, where he will execute a statewide conference about food and housing insecurity on college campuses. Sanchez hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in education policy, to work to increase the economic accessibility of higher education. 

In addition to working as a staff member for Conceptions Southwest magazine, and previously serving as an intern on the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee, Sanchez has been selected as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow (MMUF.) 

“I’d also like to greatly thank LESC policy analyst Marit Andrews; My passion for education policy flourished from my time interning at the legislature, and that’s largely because of her guidance,” he said. 

Truman Foundation Regional Review Panels will interview the Truman finalists in March and choose the 2024 Truman Scholars. Last year, UNM student Andrew Schumann was selected as a 2023 Truman Scholar. Prior to Schumann, UNM alums Abrianna Morales, and Emma Hotz were named Truman Scholars in 2022 and 2021. UNM nominations of the Truman Scholarship are coordinated by the Center for Academic Excellence & Leadership Development under the Honors College.  

“I wouldn’t be half the person I am if not for my parents. When my parents decided they wanted to have a child, they immigrated from Mexico to the United States so that I would have opportunities they never did, this one included. They left a whole life behind because they believed in me; I hope this proves that they were right to have that faith,” Sanchez said.

The University of New Mexico sends its support and wishes Sanchez all the best in this Truman Scholar endeavor.