Nursing Student Receives 2012 Udall Scholarship

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Mallory Scheurer received a prestigious Udall Scholarship.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Mallory Scheurer of Stilwell, Okla., a junior nursing major in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas, has been named a recipient of a Morris K. Udall Scholarship. She joins 79 other students from across the nation as the 2012 class of Udall Scholars. She is the first student from the College of Education and Health Professions to receive the award and the first University of Arkansas recipient since 2005. 

“Mallory is the type of student who inspires her classmates and the faculty and staff who work with her,” said Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “She is a great example of a student who works very hard at academics but is also deeply involved in her community, both with the Native American Student Association on campus and through her service to others.”

Sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply for the Morris K. Udall Scholarship. Recipients must show a commitment to issues related to Native American tribal policy. The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation also makes awards to students who have demonstrated outstanding potential and a commitment to pursue careers related to the environment, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, economics and other related fields.

Scheurer serves as the fundraising chair for the Native American Student Association and Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority. She is also a member of the Native American Art and Plant Society, the Indian Science and Engineering Society, and the Student Nurses Association. Since 2010, she has been a regular volunteer at the Fayetteville City Hospital and with the Peace at Home Women’s Shelter. She returns to her hometown of Stilwell each semester to assist with the Cherokee Nation food distribution center. 

“The elders are the ones who benefit the most from me being there to help,” Scheurer explains. “They are the last holders of a dying language and are given great respect in the community.”

After graduating from the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, Scheurer hopes to gain experience in an intensive care unit and then attend graduate school for nurse anesthesia, obtaining license as a certified registered nurse anesthetist. After specializing, she plans to work in a Native American hospital in a Native community with need. 

“The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing is proud and excited to have our first student to receive this prestigious honor,” said Nan Smith-Blair, director of the nursing school. “Mallory’s strong interest and commitment to the health issues of Native Americans is a perfect match with the opportunity of being a Udall Scholar. This opportunity will allow her to develop her skills and knowledge to help promote health in the Native American population.”

Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 during the scholar’s junior or senior year. In August, the 2012 Udall recipients will assemble in Tucson, Ariz., for the four-day scholar orientation, where they will receive their awards and meet policymakers and community leaders.

 “The competition for the Udall Scholarship is incredibly fierce,” said Suzanne McCray, director of the university’s office of nationally competitive awards. “As a member of the national Udall scholarship review committee, reading for the northeast part of the country, I have seen firsthand just how amazing these students are. To receive this recognition students have to show real commitment to a career related to Native American health and research into health conditions affecting Native American communities and a passion for making a significant difference. It’s a perfect fit for Mallory.”    

For more information on the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and other prestigious awards, contact the office of nationally competitive awards at awards@uark.edu or 479/575-7940.