NSU student awarded Chancellor Glen D. Johnson Scholarship

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University junior, Grace Manuel, was awarded the Chancellor Glen D. Johnson Scholarship in Leadership in Public Service in its first year.

The scholarship, named after Chancellor Emeritus Glen D. Johnson, acknowledges students who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a significant commitment to community engagement activities and an interest in pursuing a career in public service.

“I am truly honored to receive this scholarship in particular,” Manuel said. “Not only because it is helping me continue my undergraduate studies debt-free, but because of the rigorous application and selection process. I am grateful to have been able to share my story and passions in that process.” 

Manuel is from Byng, Oklahoma and is a member of Rho Theta Sigma Honor Society, Delta Zeta, a member of the Presidential Leadership Class, the Pre-Health Club, Health and Kinesiology Club, Communication Club and Dance Marathon. She is majoring in Health and Human Performance and plans to get a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. 

In addition to the numerous clubs she is a part of, she has also been awarded the Greek New Member of the Year award, won the Miss Broken Arrow competition, placed in the top 15 at the Miss Oklahoma competition and was named Miss NSU 2023, all while maintaining honor roll status each semester. 

“Northeastern State University and the Tahlequah community as a whole have been excellent at fostering personal growth and leadership development for myself since I have been a student at the university,” Manuel said. “The community is tight-knit and quickly felt like home to me. I truly believe this, alongside the village of people I have found and the opportunities I have been afforded have contributed significantly to my undergraduate success.” 

Manuel said her long-term goal for education is to earn a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She said she is grateful this scholarship allows her to complete her undergraduate degree debt-free, opening up possibilities for higher education. 

“It was my privilege to represent Oklahoma at the state and national level as chancellor of the state system of higher education from 2007 until 2021,” Chancellor Emeritus Glen D. Johnson said. “Public service has always been my life’s goal and I am deeply honored to recognize the first cohort of students to receive this scholarship, which celebrates their dedication to civic engagement, advocacy and leadership.” 

The scholarship, created by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, honors Johnson’s commitment to increasing the number of college graduates in Oklahoma to meet the needs of the state’s workforce. 

Chancellor Allison D. Garrett said each recipient of the scholarship is an inspirational leader with a clear commitment to serving others and making a difference in their communities. 

“The State Regents are proud to recognize exceptional students with the Chancellor Glen D. Johnson Scholarship in Leadership and Public Service,” Garrett said. “We wish them well in their academic and career pursuits.” 

For more information on scholarships available at NSU, visit nsuok.edu/scholarships. 

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