04/25/19
HAYS, Kan. – Kaytee Wisley, a junior in Fort Hays State University’s Honors College, was recently selected as a Truman Scholarship finalist.

Wisley, majoring in political science, is originally from Wichita, where she went to high school at Wichita Southeast High School.

The Truman scholarship, recognized as the most prestigious nationally competitive scholarship in the United States for those seeking a career in public service, awards $30,000 to just 60 students every year.

“Only about 25 percent of the 900 applicants are selected as finalists, putting Kaytee in a very elite group,” said Dr. Lexey Bartlett, associate professor of English and Nationally Competitive Scholarships coach for FHSU.

“I was truly honored to represent FHSU in this highly competitive process, and I am really thankful for the support across campus that I received to become a finalist,” said Wisley.

“Dr. Bartlett mentored me throughout the entire process from writing my essays to organizing mock interviews, and I could not be more thankful for her help and the time she invested in me,” she said.

“The application process is rigorous and intensive. Truman finalists often go on to distinguished careers in public service due to the prestige of the scholarship’s name,” said Bartlett. “This is a huge honor for FHSU and demonstrates that Honors College students can be competitive at a national level with the best and brightest students across the country.”

“The opportunity encouraged me to think very critically about what my future career goals are and how pursuing graduate school would help me reach those goals. It also gave me the opportunity to meet an amazing group of fellow finalists who inspired me with the work they had done in their communities,” said Wisley.

“Though the interview process was extremely scary, I think it prepared me well for future interviews for graduate school, internships and job opportunities.”

Wisley plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy. After obtaining her master’s, she would then like to work in a local government advocating for better distribution of community services like mental health care and other social support services.