Alexander Marshall, a junior at Mercer University, has been selected to receive the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. The scholarship is awarded to 100 college juniors across the United States who intend to pursue careers in public service. The announcement was made by President and Mrs. Obama along with Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO.
Marshall is the first student from Mercer University to be chosen for this award. The current cohort includes students from 34 states and territories, representing 71 colleges and universities nationwide.
Dr. David A. Davis, director of fellowships and scholarships at Mercer University, said, “The Voyager Scholarship is an extremely competitive award for young people who have a concrete vision for how they will change the world, skills and experience to demonstrate their ability and plan for how they will accomplish their goals. Alex’s recognition as a Voyager Scholar signifies that he will be a change maker in the future, and this program will escalate the scale of his impact.”
The two-year program provides up to $50,000 in financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and access to a network of leaders and mentors through the Obama Foundation.
Marshall majors in law and public policy with minors in military science and ethics. He expressed gratitude for being selected: “I am beyond honored to have been among the 100 students selected from across the country for the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service,” said Marshall. “It is not only a testament to the work that I have done in my community and my faith, but it signifies a return on my family’s and my community’s investment in me.”
At Mercer University, Marshall serves as chairman of the Campus Safety and Improvement Committee within the Student Government Association. He also works as a Samual F. Hart Community Mentor with the Office of Student Success. Additionally, he holds secretary positions with both Order of Omega honor society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Iota Eta Chapter; he is part of Leadership Mercer’s 2024-2025 cohort; belongs to Phi Eta Sigma honor society; and participates in Mercer Army ROTC.
Dr. Benjamin James Hoyt, assistant professor of political science at Mercer University who taught Marshall during his freshman year course “Introduction to American Government,” commented on his dedication: “He is committed to service, serving to defend his country and serving in the shared governance of student affairs, all while remaining a thoughtful and capable student,” said Dr. Hoyt. “When I think about the guiding principles of the Voyager Scholarship, to support students who will change the world through public service, I cannot think of a more worthy candidate, or a person more likely to carry out that ambitious goal than Alexander Marshall.”
After graduation from Mercer University, Marshall plans to attend law school with hopes of working in policymaking roles within local government or state agencies.
More information about this scholarship can be found at obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship/.
