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Sociology alumnus nominated for prestigious Marshall Scholarship

October 2, 2026

casper-udall-web.jpgMSU Sociology graduate Kaylin Casper was among the four College of Social Science Spartans nominated this year for the prestigious Marshal Scholarship. 

Casper, a 2026 Honors College alumna with bachelor’s degrees in sociology through the College of Social Science and humanities pre-law through the College of Arts and Letters, as well as an additional major in women’s and gender studies. Casper is from Burbank, California, and attended John Burroughs High School. While at MSU, Casper was a Social Science Scholar.

In 2024, Casper received the national Udall Undergraduate Award for Tribal Policy. She was nominated for the Truman, Rhodes and Marshall scholarships. 

 “The daughter of a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Kaylin has applied all of her prodigious intellect to studying the treatment and wellbeing of indigenous peoples. Any discussion of Kaylin’s academic pursuits needs to stress the substantial overlap between her education and her dedication to political and social justice campaigns. I have never known a student to work so hard on both academics and service, nor one who sees so clearly the tight connections between what she learns in class and how she can best serve her community. Kaylin is highly intelligent, profoundly ethical, and tireless in her dedication to the wellbeing of the Native population," said Social Science Scholar director Dr. John Waller.

The Marshall Scholarship supports approximately 50 of the most outstanding scholars in the country to study at any university in the United Kingdom. The College of Social Science has an impressive history of wins and nominations for prestigious awards such as the Marshall Scholarship. University-wide, Michigan State has produced 20 Marshall Scholars to date.

Winners of the Marshall Scholarship will be announced in the coming months. More information about each nominee from the College can be found below. Click here to view the original University announcement.