Citadel Cadet Named Finalist for Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Cadet Andrew Palmer ’25 has been named a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Palmer, who studied Political Science, German, and History at The Citadel, is currently a cadet sergeant major in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Next year, he will head the 2nd Battalion.

He was one of five finalists in Virginia and one of 191 finalists nationwide from 136 universities.

Palmer, a rising senior from Alexandria, Virginia, intends to pursue a Master’s and Doctorate of Philosophy in International Relations at Oxford.

“Being named a Truman Scholarship finalist has been one of the greatest honors of my academic career,” Palmer stated. “The opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and speak with both prior scholars and current finalists prompted me to consider more deeply about my own academic interests. I am happy for the opportunity to meet some other excellent students and discuss our shared love for public service.”

Palmer interned for Congressman Jack Bergman, Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, High Peak MP Rob Largan, and the Institute of Economic Affairs. Last year, he led a group of six cadets to Rwanda, where they constructed four pathways and five bridges near the city Kigali. Palmer acts as an assistant golf coach at First Tee Greater Charleston in his spare time and is a member of The Citadel Hurling Team, where he serves as assistant captain. He received a four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship and aspires to be a pilot in the Reserves.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as a living tribute to President Truman. The foundation’s aim is to identify and support the next generation of public service leaders, and the award has become one of the most prominent national scholarships in the United States.

Each year, candidates for the Truman Scholarship go through a demanding, multi-stage selection process. Truman Scholars must display exceptional leadership potential, a dedication to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic achievement. Each Truman Scholar will receive support for graduate studies, leadership development, career advice, and exceptional internship and fellowship opportunities with the federal government. The finalists for the 2024 Truman Scholarship will be revealed in mid-April.