Lindsey Hancock, a physiology/pre-medical sciences junior, has been recognized for her leadership and health-related accomplishments with a prestigious Udall Scholarship.
The Oklahoma City native is a member of the Choctaw Nation and OSU’s 17th Udall Scholar. She is the fourth OSU student in the last four years to earn the award in the categories of native health care and tribal policy.
Hancock is one of only 50 students selected from hundreds of college sophomores and juniors from across the nation who apply for the scholarship, which provides up to $7,000 annually to defray the cost of an undergraduate education.
“I’m very grateful to the Udall Foundation for this generous award and honored to represent both the Choctaw Nation and Oklahoma State University as a recipient,” said Hancock. “It’s time to reverse the trend of diabetes among Native Americans, who are disproportionately affected by an illness that, left unchecked, creates economic and psychosocial distress among our people. I expect to do my part as I proceed through my education to become a physician.”
Hancock is pursuing an OSU Honors College degree. She has been involved in clinical research with the American Indian Diabetes Prevention Center, and she has a long history of service to the native community, having volunteered at diabetes fairs and at the “Red Feather Gala,” the Indian Health Service Clinic’s annual fundraising event.
After completing her undergraduate work at OSU, Hancock plans to attend medical school and become a primary care physician who treats Native Americans in under-served areas. She also looks forward to mentoring students interested in rural medicine and engaging in diabetes research and treatment.
“I would like to thank the many people who helped me win this prestigious award, including my supportive and patient family, Jessica Sullins in OSU’s office of scholar development, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, Vicki Rhodey, and several faculty mentors, including Drs. Jennifer Grindstaff, Stephany Parker, Amy Martindale, and Keith Garbutt,” Hancock said. “I feel fortunate to attend a university where the faculty and staff go to great lengths to help students meet their unique goals.”
The Udall scholarship honors the legacies of Morris and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. It is administered by the Udall Foundation, an executive branch agency which was established by the U.S. Congress in 1992.
Scholarship applications are administered through the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at OSU, which has long been a national leader and innovator in scholar development, assisting highly-motivated students through competition for prestigious national/international scholarships and fellowships. The office also encourages student-faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, curricular options in the OSU Honors College, international travel experience and exposure to other cultures. For more information, contact Jessica Sullins at jessica.sullins@okstate.edu or phone (405) 744-7313.