Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — A passion for changing the world is deeply rooted in Kansas State University student Ross Allen, junior in economics and philosophy, Soldier, which has earned him a 2014 Harry S. Truman Scholarship.

The Truman scholarship is a national competition that provides up to $30,000 for graduate study to students committed to future careers in public service. According to the Truman Foundation, 59 scholarships were awarded this year from among 655 students nominated by 294 colleges and universities.

"We're very pleased that Ross Allen has been selected as a Truman scholar," said Kirk Schulz, Kansas State University president. "Ross continues K-State's ongoing success in the Truman scholarship competition and represents the tremendous caliber of K-State students with his commitment to serving others, dedication and work ethic. As the university remains committed to becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025, I am confident we will continue to attract exceptional students such as Ross."

Allen, who is minoring in nonprofit leadership studies, intends to pursue master's degrees in divinity and public policy with an ultimate goal of serving in a social ministry. He is interested in creating a nonprofit network of faith- and community-based welfare programs to empower participants and disrupt poverty cycles.

"I feel incredibly honored to have been awarded this scholarship and the opportunities it affords," Allen said. "I never would have been able to get here if it weren't for all the people who helped me along the way, though."

Allen said nonprofit leadership is important because it could offer what traditional business and government struggle to provide.

"Nonprofits have the unique opportunity to go beyond merely transactional servant leadership — where an exchange of goods happens from people with resources to people in need — and engage in transformational servant leadership — where both those offering and those receiving resources collaborate and experience meaningful personal development," Allen said. "I'm excited to continue engaging the nonprofit sector and help actualize its capacity to make the world a better place."

A 2011 graduate of Jackson Heights High School, Holton, Allen is the son of David and Ange Allen, Soldier. He is the president of Acacia fraternity and Hands-On Student Leaders, vice president of service for Chimes Junior Honorary and a member of the university's Student Alumni Board and the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance. He also served in the Student Governing Association as student affairs director from 2012-2013 and senate intern from 2011-2012. He was president of Silver Key sophomore service honorary in 2012-2013 and was a member of Quest, the freshman honorary. He will be a member of Blue Key Senior Honorary for 2014-2015.

Allen's honors, scholarships and awards include: Morse Scholarship, Putnam Scholarship, Neal Atkinson Jr. Leadership Award, philosophy department's Distinguished Scholar, economics department's Distinguished Scholar and Order of Omega Up and Coming Leader Award.

Since the establishment of the Truman Foundation in 1977, 34 Kansas State University students have been awarded the Truman scholarship, ranking the university first for the number of Truman scholars in the nation among all public state-supported universities. In 1996, the Truman Foundation named Kansas State University a Truman Scholar Honor Institution, one of 17 inaugural schools to receive the title.

"I'm specifically thankful to K-State's director of nationally competitive scholarships and all of the faculty in the School of Leadership Studies, economics department and philosophy department for providing excellent support and a wealth of learning opportunities," Allen said.

To learn more about competing for future Truman Scholarships or other scholarships while a student at Kansas State University, contact Jim Hohenbary at jimlth@k-state.edu.