Meet UTA's first-ever Truman Scholarship finalist
When Jeremiah Joseph set out to earn the prestigious 2025 Truman Scholarship, he viewed it as another accolade to strengthen his prospects after graduation. But as the process unfolded, his motivation shifted. Becoming The University of Texas at Arlington's first Truman Scholarship finalist became less about personal achievement and more about pioneering a path future Mavericks could follow.
Joseph, a junior double-majoring in political science and clinical and applied physiology, was one of 201 students from 137 institutions selected as a finalist by the Truman Foundation. The prestigious Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive national fellowship awarded to exceptional college juniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service. It provides funding for graduate studies, leadership training and career development to help recipients become the next generation of changemakers in government, education and the nonprofit sector.
“My goal was to become a finalist, because that would mean UTA had finally broken the barrier of never having one,” Joseph, who attended Lewisville's Hebron High School, said. “I wanted other students to see that aiming for opportunities like the Truman Scholarship is possible at UTA.”
Throughout the rigorous Truman Scholarship application process, Joseph worked closely with the Provost’s Office and the Division of Student Success to develop a framework aimed at recruiting and mentoring more UT Arlington students in their pursuit of exceptional academic and career aspirations.
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“When you get to know Jeremiah, you begin to understand the real leadership he possesses. He always sees potential for improvement and leaves every program, organization or institution he touches in a better place,” said Ashley Purgason, vice provost for student success at UTA. “He challenges those around him to improve processes, policies and day-to-day operations in service of others. He does not see problems, but rather opportunities. For Jeremiah, the opportunity is always there to create positive change for the communities in which he serves. He has helped UTA improve how we cultivate student experiences across campus. When he’s done so, it has not been in self-service but in service to his peers and those who will come behind him.”
During his final year at UTA, Joseph will complete his two majors and three minors while continuing to work with the University to better understand external scholarship processes, including the highly competitive Rhodes and Marshall scholarships.
“Passions of mine are creating and public service,” Joseph said. “Creating opportunities for others is humbling and rewarding. I want to focus on making sure these extraordinary opportunities exist at an institutional level, not just an individual one.”
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Joseph is currently completing a legislative internship with state Senator Royce West in Austin through the Texas Legislative Fellowship program. Last spring, he participated in the UT System’s Archer Fellowship in Washington, D.C. He also serves on the National Humanities Leadership Council and is an InSTEM scholar with the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation.
He plans to continue his public service through both medical and law school, aiming to become a physician who shapes health care policy at the state and national levels.
“We believe Jeremiah is just getting started,” Dr. Purgason said. “He has a bright future ahead as he continues to blaze new paths forward here at UTA.”