**Purdue Senior Allison Boyd Awarded Prestigious Marshall Scholarship for Graduate Study in the UK**
*West Lafayette, IN – December 21, 2024* — Purdue University senior Allison Boyd has been named one of the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Marshall Scholarship, a highly competitive award that will fund her graduate study in the United Kingdom. Boyd, a standout student with a passion for international relations and global security, will use the scholarship to pursue advanced studies at the University of Oxford starting in fall 2024.
The Marshall Scholarship, established in 1953, is one of the most esteemed international scholarships available to American students, offering them the opportunity to study at some of the UK’s leading universities. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, in addition to providing the opportunity for recipients to immerse themselves in British academic and cultural life. Boyd’s achievement marks not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for Purdue University, as she is the latest student from the university to join the ranks of Marshall Scholars.
Boyd, who hails from Carmel, Indiana, is a senior in the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. Throughout her undergraduate career, Boyd has shown a strong commitment to understanding the global landscape, especially in relation to policy issues that affect security and diplomacy. Her academic achievements are matched by her leadership and involvement in various organizations at Purdue, including serving as the president of Purdue’s Model United Nations team.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected as a Marshall Scholar, and I am grateful for all the guidance and support I’ve received from Purdue’s faculty and staff,” Boyd said in a statement following the announcement. “This scholarship will allow me to deepen my understanding of international relations and contribute to the advancement of peace and security in a global context. I am excited to study at Oxford, a place renowned for its rich academic history and commitment to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Boyd’s academic interests have always been centered on the intersection of international relations and global security, particularly in the context of diplomatic strategies and conflict resolution. Her extensive research on these topics includes a senior thesis on the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions in post-conflict nations. Additionally, Boyd has interned with the U.S. Department of State, where she worked on projects related to international security policy, as well as with several NGOs focused on human rights and global development.
In addition to her impressive academic and professional background, Boyd is known for her commitment to service and leadership. She has volunteered with local and international organizations dedicated to supporting refugees and displaced populations, and she has been involved in Purdue’s Global Policy Research Initiative, which collaborates with policymakers and academics to address complex global issues.
The Marshall Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most competitive academic honors available to American students, and Boyd’s selection underscores her exceptional qualifications. The scholarship has a long history of selecting candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to contribute to the betterment of society on a global scale.
Dr. Mung Chiang, Purdue’s President, expressed his pride in Boyd’s accomplishment. “Allison is an outstanding representative of Purdue University’s values of academic excellence, global engagement, and service to others,” Chiang said. “Her dedication to understanding complex global issues and her leadership on campus have set her apart as a truly exceptional student. We are excited to see all the amazing things she will accomplish in the years ahead, both at Oxford and beyond.”
Boyd’s selection as a Marshall Scholar follows a series of notable awards and recognitions during her time at Purdue. She has received multiple honors for her academic excellence, including the Purdue Presidential Scholarship and a place on the Dean’s List for every semester of her undergraduate career. Her academic work has earned her respect from professors and mentors alike, with many praising her critical thinking skills and her ability to tackle complex problems.
At Oxford, Boyd plans to pursue a master’s degree in Global Governance and Diplomacy, a program that aligns with her long-term career goals of working in international policy and conflict resolution. She hopes to use her time in the UK to gain deeper insights into the challenges faced by international organizations in maintaining global peace and security, as well as to develop strategies for addressing emerging threats such as cyber warfare and climate-related instability.
Looking ahead, Boyd is determined to use the knowledge and experience gained through the Marshall Scholarship to contribute to U.S. foreign policy and international relations. She is particularly interested in working with governmental and non-governmental organizations focused on peacebuilding and international conflict mediation.
The Marshall Scholarship has a proud history of fostering future leaders who go on to make significant contributions to society. Notable past recipients include former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Nobel laureate Robert F. Engle. Boyd joins an elite group of scholars who have made a lasting impact on global policy and diplomacy.
Boyd’s achievement also highlights the increasing number of Purdue students who are receiving prestigious international awards. Purdue University’s Office of National and International Scholarships and Fellowships, which provides resources and guidance for students applying for competitive awards, played a key role in Boyd’s success. The office’s staff helped her refine her application and prepared her for the rigorous selection process.
As Boyd prepares for the next chapter of her academic journey, she reflects on how her experiences at Purdue have shaped her aspirations. “Purdue has been an incredible place for me to grow intellectually and personally,” she said. “The opportunities I’ve had to engage with students and professors from diverse backgrounds have really opened my eyes to the importance of international collaboration. I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned at Purdue to Oxford and continue on my path of learning and service.”
Boyd’s selection for the Marshall Scholarship is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and vision for a career in international relations. As she takes this next step toward advancing her studies in the UK, she stands as an inspiration to her peers and a proud representative of Purdue University on the global stage.
