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For the second year in a row, East Tennessee State University has made history.

Last year, ETSU celebrated its first Truman Scholar in 33 years. This year, the university boasts two finalists for one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.

“Only a handful of institutions across the country—some of the most elite and respected in the United States and the world—can say they have two Truman finalists,” said Dr. Carson Medley, assistant dean of the Honors College and director of Prestigious Awards. “This year, we have a soldier and an activist, two of the most accomplished student leaders I have met in more than 25 years working in higher education.”

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is awarded to college juniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to public service, whether in government, nonprofit work, education, advocacy or other public sectors. Scholars receive up to $30,000 toward graduate studies, professional development opportunities, and access to a national network of Truman Scholars.

This year, 743 students applied for the honor, with 201 selected as finalists.

A passion for public health

Leah Loveday, a junior Roan Scholar from Sevierville, is a community health major. Loveday’s work in the public health sphere has aimed to address Tennessee’s high rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as a 2025 Truman finalist,” Loveday said. “This recognition reflects the incredible mentors, experiences and support I have received from ETSU. This process has helped me define and strengthen my commitment to addressing rural and reproductive health in our region. I look forward to representing ETSU and Appalachia in the next round of interviews.”

Her commitment to public service extends beyond ETSU.

She recently co-authored an article in a leading public health journal and won third place in the 2023 ETSU Elevates pitch competition. After ETSU, she hopes to pursue a master’s in public health with a concentration in population and family health.

Roan Executive Director Scott Jeffress praised Loveday’s selection.

“It’s wonderful to see Leah selected as a Truman finalist,” he said. “She is an extraordinary individual with great vision and passion and someone who has made a tremendously positive impact on her fellow students, ETSU and our community.”

A soldier, scholar and leader

ETSU’s second finalist, Gunnar Wolf Stewart, is a junior majoring in philosophy and Japanese, a National Guard combat medic, and a member of ETSU ROTC.

Before enrolling at ETSU, Stewart worked as a full-time blacksmith, crafting knives and swords. He eventually sold his business and moved his family to Johnson City to begin his college education.

“Being a Truman finalist means a lot to me,” Stewart said. “Throughout my time in college, I have had the feeling that the kind of person I strive to be is not someone academia typically rewards or respects. Being a finalist reassures me that if you strive for excellence in what you do, you can achieve great things—even if your pursuits are not common or popular among your generation.”

Stewart is also a Filipino martial arts instructor, a competitive shooter, and an academic coach. He credits his discipline and commitment to his father, a former warrant officer in the Army Special Forces Green Berets.

Dr. D. Stokes Piercy, an assistant professor of media and communication and a Fulbright Hungary semifinalist, has known Stewart since childhood.

“I’ve known Gunnar since he was 4, and even then, he carried the spirit of his father, with a natural gift for leadership and service,” Piercy said.

A historic moment for ETSU

ETSU continues to build a reputation for producing student leaders who are making an impact locally, nationally and globally.

“This year, we have two extraordinary finalists, each charting their own path in public service,” Medley said. “It’s a testament to the caliber of students at ETSU and the transformative opportunities we provide, along with sustained mentoring and unwavering support from our administration, board of trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community members.”

The final round of Truman interviews will take place in the coming months. If selected, Loveday or Stewart would join an elite group of public service scholars working to create meaningful change across the country.

“This achievement underscores ETSU’s commitment to fostering leaders who are driven to serve and make a difference,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “We are incredibly proud of Leah and Gunnar for their dedication, vision and impact, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.”