STARKVILLE, Miss.–Eleven students from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Kansas and Tennessee are new selections for Mississippi State’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships.

Each is receiving $40,000 over four years–or $10,000 per year–to cover the current cost of university tuition and fees, books, room and board, and research and study-abroad expenses.

To qualify, the scholars must have a minimum 30 ACT/1330 SAT score, as well have graduated with a minimum core or overall 3.75 high school grade-point average (based on a 4.0 scale). They are expected to maintain an overall 3.4 GPA while in their respective majors at MSU.

Selected from more than 600 qualified applicants, the new group joins more than 25 already participating in a program that is part of MSU’s Shackouls Honors College. They and the other scholars have opportunities to interact with members of the research faculty and take part in the college’s Summer Study at Oxford Program, among other enhanced learning opportunities.

“The new Presidential Scholars represent some of the strongest, most promising students in the nation,” said Tommy Anderson. “They come already conducting meaningful research and with impressive records of leadership and community engagement.”

Anderson, an associate professor of English, now is in his third year as program mentor. He also directs the university’s Office of Prestigious External Scholarships.

“In addition to being academic leaders and participating fully in university life, Presidential Scholars are expected to seek out external scholarship opportunities for intellectual and personal growth,” he said.

He also said the 11 new scholars have the potential to serve as agents of change in their respective disciplines.

Over the years, a number of scholars additionally have been honored with national Truman, Udall, Mitchell and Goldwater scholarships, as well as professional internships. For more, visit www.honors.msstate.edu/scholars.

MADISON, Alabama–Freshman Charles B. Boyd, a software engineering major and the son of William and Myrna Boyd. He is a Bob Jones High School graduate receiving an Ottilie Schillig Presidential Scholarship.

MADISON–Freshman Nicholas Cobb, a business administration major and the son of James and Elizabeth Cobb. He is a Madison-Ridgeland Academy graduate receiving a Lila and Hunter Henry Presidential Scholarship.