MSU Sociology major Kaylin Casper nominated for a Truman Scholarship

February 7, 2025 - Karessa Weir

MSU Sociology junior Kaylin Casper is one of only three MSU students nominated for the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship. 

Casper is a double major in Sociology in the College of Social Science as well as Humanities Pre-Law in the College of Arts and Letters, and is also in the Honors College. Originally from Burbank, Calif., Casper attended John Burroughs High School.  

Last spring, Casper was awarded the nationally-competitive Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, which honored Casper’s work in Indigenous Studies.  She is also pursuing a minor in American Indian and Indigenous Studies, and a minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Sexuality Studies – both through the College of Arts and Letters. 

Also in 2024, Casper received the Ruth Hamilton Award from MSU Sociology. She is a member of the Social Science Scholars, the Native American Indigenous Student Organization and the international sociology honors society Alpha Kappa Delta. 

Casper was nominated for the Truman Scholarship by Dr. Sarah Prior, Associate Professor of Sociology and Undergraduate Program Director. 

“Kaylin Casper and Dr. Sarah Prior are two outstanding members of our Sociology community here at MSU. Dr. Prior works tirelessly to support our undergraduate students as Undergraduate Program Director and to make sure they are recognized as they apply their sociological knowledge, skills, and training to make our world a better place. Dr. Prior’s nomination of Kaylin Casper for top national awards like the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship (which she was awarded in 2024 for her focus on Tribal Policy) and the Truman Scholarship are both very well deserved. Kaylin’s leadership on campus and beyond as a scholar and community-engaged social change agent are both remarkable and commendable,” said Sociology Chair Dr. Carla Pfeffer. 

Casper was nominated for her academic success as well as her “passion for justice,” Prior said.  

“She is empathetic, justice-oriented and passionate. It has been an absolute pleasure and inspiration having Kaylin in class. As a faculty member who has taught more than 4,000 undergraduate students, Kaylin rises to the top as I think about a student who is focused, passionate, and committed to high academic achievement and future academic and professional success,” Prior said. 

Casper hopes to get a dual JD/PHD and be able to work on justice and advocacy issues. Her current academic achievement aligns neatly with this goal. Her excellent academic work will help to create the pathway for graduate school success, Prior said.  

“I have no doubt that Kaylin will go on to do incredible things. This scholarship would help her in that goal. Kaylin embodies the goals of the Truman Scholarship. She is an exceptional student, she is a committed and justice-focused advocate for the needs of her Indigenous community, she will go on to graduate school and to do impactful and important policy work,” Prior said. 

The Truman Scholarship, sponsored by the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation, recognizes students with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to affecting change through public service. It provides financial support for graduate study and leadership training for approximately 62 students. Awardees will be announced in the coming months.  

Other nominees are Isabelle Radakovich, James Madison and College of Arts and Letters, and Claire Smith, James Madison College and Honors College.