Brigham Young University junior and Honors student, Rachel Miner, has been named a 2021 Truman Scholar. She is one of 62 new Truman Scholars this year chosen from a record 845 nominations from more than 320 colleges and universities.
BYU President Kevin J Worthen informed Miner in a virtual meeting that she won the Truman award—the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders.
Upon learning she was a recipient, Miner said, “It is such a privilege and blessing to even apply for the Truman Scholarship. The learning you obtain through the application process is invaluable. Then, to be selected a winner—it is truly an honor and incredible blessing. I am humbled to join a network of thousands of scholars who dedicate their life to public service. The Truman Scholarship is a symbol of hope for me; an indication that there are good people working to make our country a better place. I want to be part of that hope for the future. I want others to know that I do not take the honor or responsibility lightly; I intend to contribute to the greater good, serve our country through public service and ultimately help bless the lives of others.”
Miner is studying economics, global women’s studies and studio art and is currently the president of BYU’s Freedom of Religion or Belief Club. She has worked extensively on public policy in the United States Senate. Most recently, she coordinated with Dr. Julie Valentine and the Utah State Legislature to help draft and facilitate support for three separate bills that ensure protection to sexual assault survivors.
“Rachel’s commitment to her education is inspiring,” said Professor Dennis Cutchins, associate director of Honors. “She has seized every opportunity presented to her.”
Miner is also executive director of Bellwether International—a nonprofit organization she founded to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief at the intersection of other human rights. Through her efforts with Bellwether, Miner works directly with government leaders, faith and belief leaders and other non-governmental organizations to address the growing human rights violations that affect groups such as the Uighurs in China and Rohingya in Myanmar. One project in Nigeria included the delivery of over 40,000 books, school supplies and clothing for implementation of a literacy program empowering children displaced because of their religion.
This April, Miner presented at the Faith and Flourishing Symposium at Harvard University, discussing how to prevent child sexual abuse at the intersection of religious and international law. The symposium is part of a larger movement to create a United Nations world day recognizing survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. Upon graduation from BYU, Miner is planning to pursue an MSc in Global Politics and then attend law school.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to affecting change through public service by providing them with $30,000 for graduate study, leadership training and fellowship with other students. Established by Congress in 1975 as the living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship carries the legacy of our 33rd President by supporting and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders.
Students interested in the Truman scholarship should visit BYU’s Office of Prestigious Scholarships website at ugrad.byu.edu/scholarships or contact them at national.scholarships@byu.edu. The Office of Prestigious Scholarships helps students interested in pursuing prestigious national and international opportunities for graduate study by providing information and direct support throughout the competitive application process.
To see the full list of winners, visit truman.gov/whats-new/2021-truman-scholars.