Eight join McConnell Scholars Program out of record-high applicant pool

(Aug. 23, 2021) By GlyptusAnn Grider Jones
Eight join McConnell Scholars Program out of record-high applicant pool

Members of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2025

The McConnell Center welcomes eight new faces to its McConnell Scholars Program, among the most prestigious undergraduate leadership programs at the University of Louisville.

“We are so excited to welcome this new class of McConnell Scholars. They come from all over the commonwealth and bring a diversity of interests and talents that will enhance our community in a myriad of ways," said Gary L. Gregg II, PhD, director of the McConnell Center.

The new cohort is the 30th class in the Center's history and part of UofL's Class of 2025. Members of the group will spend the next four years furthering their intellectual, leadership and career development through the center's robust seminar, travel, internship and mentorship programs.

The new McConnell Scholars are:

The group was chosen from a record-high number of applicants this spring. This year's applicant pool jumped 83.5 percent over last year and 135 percent compared to the pool five years ago.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021, the McConnell Center has awarded more than $4.7 million in scholarships to 284 McConnell Scholars, provided professional military education to hundreds of U.S. Army leaders and conducted civic education programs for K-12 teachers and students across Kentucky. Its lectures, books, studies, conferences and podcasts have garnered international attention, and the American Council of Trustees and Alumni has named the center “an oasis of excellence” in higher education.