Murray State University awards 18 Presidential Fellowships

By MSU Public Relations | May 5, 2026

2026 presidential fellowship recipients — Pictured from left to right are: Back row - Dr. David Gibson, Presidential Fellow Coordinator; Grady Simpson; Michael Rousseau; Lily Arnett; Brandon Daughaday; Aubrey Naber; Cadence Moore; Wyatt Stokes; Cade Sorrells; Dr. Ron K. Patterson, Murray State President Front row - Dr. Jessica Naber, Honors College Director; Levi Avery; Jack Thompson; Eli Pavy; Gracie Shemwell; Margaret Hoffman; Arabella Robertson; Finley Puricelli; Monique Mwasumbi; Vayla Carlisle; Molly McCalla

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University has awarded a total of 18 incoming students with the prestigious Presidential Fellowship, which includes full tuition, housing, and meals for up to four years at the University.

“It is a privilege to welcome this exceptional group of students to Murray State University,” said University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “Their dedication to academic excellence is remarkable, and we are proud to provide a rigorous, high-impact curriculum that will inspire, challenge, and support each of our Presidential Fellows as they work toward their professional and personal aspirations.”

The recipients, who represent multiple states including Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Arkansas, will be part of the University’s Honors College, a community within Murray State that offers a unique honors curriculum, critical-thinking seminars, and specialized programs and activities.

“Our Presidential Fellows are all highly talented academically, but they are also chosen based on their demonstrated leadership potential and involvement in their communities,” said Dr. Jessica Naber, executive director of the Honors College.

Students selected for the Presidential Fellowship complete a rigorous application process that includes multiple interviews. During their time at Murray State, recipients of the fellowship are responsible for conducting extensive research projects and serving as leaders in the campus community.

Presidential Fellowship recipients include the following individuals:

- - • Lily Arnett (Herrin, Illinois)
  - • Levi Avery (Mahomet, Illinois)
  - • Vayla Carlisle (Murray, Kentucky)
  - • Brandon Daughaday (Murray, Kentucky)
  - • Margaret Hoffman (West Bend, Wisconsin)
  - • Molly McCalla (Alhambra, Illinois)
  - • Cadence Moore (Henderson, Kentucky)
  - • Monique Mwasumbi (London, Kentucky)
  - • Aubrey Naber (Murray, Kentucky)
  - • Eli Pavy (Malden, Missouri)
  - • Finley Puricelli (Salem, Illinois)
  - • Arabella Robertson (Franklin, Kentucky)
  - • Michael Rousseau (Caseyville, Illinois)
  - • Gracie Shemwell (Red Bud, Illinois)
  - • Grady Simpson (Barnhill, Illinois)
  - • Cade Sorrells (Benton, Kentucky)
  - • Wyatt Stokes (Jonesboro, Arkansas)
  - • Jack Thompson (Paducah, Kentucky)

Incoming first-year students for fall 2026 who have a 28 ACT composite score minimum (or 1310 SAT verbal and math combined score minimum), along with a 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the Presidential Fellowship. For more information on the University’s Honors College, please visit murraystate.edu/honors.

Murray State University awards 18 Presidential Fellowships

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