Cassie Riddick, a communication junior in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Riddick is the 19th Truman finalist to have come from the U of A over the last 11 years and hopes to become the 11th student to be named a Truman Scholar in the same time frame.

Riddick is a non-traditional student who, before transferring to the U of A, earned her associate's degree in paralegal studies from NorthWest Arkansas Community College, where she was recognized with its Distinguished Graduate Award.

She will interview for the scholarship this week in Nashville, Tennessee, before a panel of six previously selected Truman Scholars, including Terry Babcock-Lumish, the executive secretary of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.

“Cassie Riddick is a remarkable person who daily turns challenges into opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Brian Raines, dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “She has a compelling story to tell tied to a determination to bring about change. I am pleased that the Truman Scholarship Foundation recognized what a force for good she is by selecting her as a Truman Finalist.”

As a first-generation college student and single mother, Riddick has become a voice for those with disabilities in the state of Arkansas.

Through her advocacy role as Ms. Wheelchair Arkansas, Riddick founded One Parent: One Power as an educational platform that aids disabled parents in living independently. Riddick has also volunteered extensively with the Christopher Reeve Foundation as a regional disability advocate. In this position, Riddick has met with state and federal government officials to address the policy needs of individuals with disabilities.

Riddick has further contributed to the Arkansas community through her classes with Disability EmpowHer Network and the Arkansas State Independent Living Council, as well as her nonprofit, Violet’s Victory, which raises money to support families who have recently experienced the death of a child. This foundation also provides education on organ donation.

“I am excited, humbled and honored to be selected as a 2025 Truman Scholarship Finalist,” Riddick said. “I want to thank all the faculty, family, friends and mentors who have supported, motivated and encouraged me to apply for this prestigious award. It has already given me the opportunity to educate others about the importance of disability rights, especially disability parenting rights. I dedicate my advocacy mission in memory of my daughter Violet. This process has strengthened me as an advocate and taught me that I can fight for the civil rights for all marginalized communities.”

Truman Scholars are awarded $30,000 in scholarship funds to attend graduate or professional school. The application process is rigorous, requiring more than 50 hours to complete. This year, 743 students from 288 colleges and universities across the nation applied for Truman Scholarships. Finalists demonstrate outstanding leadership, public service and academic achievement. The foundation will choose 60 Truman Scholars from the pool of finalists.

About U of A Truman Scholars: The U of A has produced 26 Truman Scholars, more than any other university in the Southeastern Conference. In 2002, the U of A was named a Truman Scholarship Honor Institution for student commitment to service and its record with the Truman Scholarship Program. Since 2012, 11 U of A students have been named Truman Scholars: 

• Anna Mathis, agricultural education, communications and leadership, 2023
• Coleman Warren, political science, 2021
• Samia Ismail, biomedical engineering, 2019
• Ryann Alonso, political science and communication, and Sam Harris, agricultural business, 2017
• Victoria Maloch, agricultural business, and Danielle Neighbour, civil engineering, 2016
• Grant Addison, history and political science, 2015
• Cicely Shannon, economics, 2014
• Nathan Coulter, political science, 2013; and
• Mike Norton, agricultural business and poultry science, 2012.

U of A students who are interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship should contact the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at awards@uark.edu or call the office at 479-575-8673.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.