University of South Carolina student named Truman Scholar
April 21, 2016
University of South Carolina junior Jory Fleming of Columbia has been selected as a 2016 Truman Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships that recognizes students for superior academic ability, a strong record of service and leadership and plans for careers in public service.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was created by Congress in 1975 to be the nation’s living memorial to President Truman. The foundation has a mission to select and support the next generation of public service leaders.
“We are so proud that Jory has earned the Truman Scholarship. His passion for service, both direct and through academic research, is a hallmark of the Carolina experience and epitomizes the qualities sought by the Truman Foundation,” said University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides. “I am delighted that he has been recognized for his commitment to leadership and public service, and will have this tremendous opportunity to demonstrate that Carolina students truly have no limits to the impact they can make on their community.”
Fleming, a Capstone Fellow and Magellan Scholar who is double majoring in geography and marine science, is the son of Kelly Fleming of Columbia and is a graduate of the Fleming Homeschool. A 2015 NOAA Hollings Scholar, a 2016 Udall honorable mention and a 2016 Goldwater Scholar, he plans to pursue a master’s in marine affairs and a doctorate in oceanography, studying the nexus of science and policy in order to deepen people’s connection to the oceans and protect U.S. interests at sea. His numerous awards include the Abraham Anson Memorial Scholarship, Charles Bussmann Scholarship, the Incight Disability Scholarship, the S.C. Wildlife Foundation Scholarship and the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation Scholarship.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Fleming is fully engaged in the Carolina community, working as a peer leader with University 101, and volunteering with Cocky’s Reading Express and PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services).
“I have autism, and the classic hallmark of autism is that social interaction is difficult,” Fleming says, crediting his service dog, Daisy, with helping him engage with others. “One thing that I’ve surprised myself with is that before I came to USC, I would have never thought that I could do something like Cocky’s Reading Express. That whole concept had been foreign to me. As a result, it’s been important for me to grow in that way and to overcome that challenge. Without Daisy, I would have never been able to overcome that step or try something that’s not in my comfort zone.”
Candidates for the Truman Scholarship go through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. In 2016, there were 775 candidates for the award nominated by 305 colleges and universities, a record number of applications and institutions. The 200 finalists for the award were interviewed in March and early April. The 54 students selected as Truman Scholars will receive their awards in a ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum on May 29.
Recipients of the Truman Scholarship receive a $30,000 scholarship toward graduate school and the opportunity to participate in professional development programming to help prepare them for careers in public service leadership.
University of South Carolina Truman candidates are evaluated and nominated by a USC scholarship committee, co-chaired by professors Shelley Smith and David Simmons.Fleming was assisted by the University’s Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs (www.sc.edu/ofsp ) which provides advisement and support to students competing for national fellowships. Fleming brings the total number of USC Truman Scholars to eight.
