Two incoming Williams Scholars to join Political Science

May 29, 2026

This article was originally published here. 52 incoming MSU students earn full merit scholarships

Michigan State University has awarded comprehensive scholarships to 52 extraordinary incoming first-year students. Alumni Distinguished Scholarships are part of a 71-year tradition, University Distinguished Scholarships were initiated in 2000, and the Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarships have enabled more students than ever to receive full merit awards to MSU.

Among those students are two who plan to major in Political Science and Political Science-Pre-Law.

Jashn Grewal of Huron High School and Ypsilanti, Michigan plans to major in political science-pre-law through the College of Social Science.

Paul Krone of Lincoln-Way East High School and Frankfort, Illinois plans to major in political science through the College of Social Science.

“The Williams Scholarship enables our university to empower this group of talented scholars to pursue excellence without limits,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “With a global network, a culture of discovery, and a commitment to access and opportunity, MSU is uniquely positioned to help extraordinary students grow their talents and expand their impact on the world.”

The scholarships are considered some of the most competitive awards in the nation. They cover full tuition, room and board, and a stipend for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study.

Each awardee also receives a spot in the MSU Honors College’s Professorial Assistantship program, which provides a two-year paid research placement with a faculty mentor.

“As professorial assistants through the Honors College, these 52 scholars will work alongside world-class faculty to address real-world problems through meaningful research,” said MSU Honors College Dean Glenn Chambers, Ph.D. “Empowered with a Spartan education, they will become leaders of discovery positioned to make a global impact.”

“These students are extraordinary, not only because of what they have already achieved, but because of the energy, curiosity, and leadership they will bring to MSU. These scholarships help make it possible for them to join our campus community and make a meaningful impact across the university,” said MSU Interim Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions Alexander Landen.

The newest scholars represent 13 states and five countries. They are pursuing degrees across nine different colleges at MSU.

The Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship, named for MSU’s inaugural president and first lady, premiered in December 2024. Williams Scholars followed the same selection process as Alumni Distinguished Scholars: applying to MSU, submitting essays, taking a general knowledge exam, and interviewing with a faculty-staff committee.

The scholarship program is differentiated by an experiential learning opportunity, which awardees can propose and pursue with an additional $7,500 stipend.

MSU PLS welcomed one Williams Scholar to campus last year - Kaela Laurin of Dexter High School and Dexter, Mich.