The Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (OURF) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has announced junior Layla Moore has been named a finalist for the prestigious and highly competitive Truman Scholarship.
Layla is among 201 finalists chosen from a pool of 743 applications representing 288 institutions nationwide.
A political science major and Baker Scholar, Layla will interview with the Truman Foundation on March 19 for the opportunity to receive this esteemed scholarship. A native of Memphis, she is deeply committed to research, leadership, and service. She currently examines housing inequality in Knoxville alongside Assistant Professor Stephanie Casey Pierce while actively engaging in leadership roles on and off campus.
The Truman Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, public service, and academic excellence. It provides $30,000 toward graduate studies in public service-related fields, leadership development opportunities, and access to a nationwide network of public service professionals.
Layla aspires to earn master’s degrees in Public Policy and Urban Planning, with the goal of working in local government. Long-term, she envisions launching a nonprofit in Memphis to advocate for stronger tenant protections and equitable housing access. Her dedication to public service is evident through her involvement with the Knoxville City Council and the City Council Movement. On campus, she serves as Vice President of UT’s Black Students for Artistic Expression (BAE), fostering creative spaces for students.
Her experience as a Gilman Scholar in London, where she interned at an art auction house, broadened her perspective on the role of art in communities. She has since deepened this understanding through her work as a Gallery Assistant, organizing artist showcases through BAE, and exhibiting her own work in local galleries.
“Becoming a Truman finalist has meant reflection for me,” Moore shared. “This experience has challenged my understanding of my goals and how they align with public service. While intense, this constant reflection on why I am drawn to public service and how these experiences will shape my career has been invaluable.”
Students interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship or other national and international awards are encouraged to contact Undergraduate Research & Fellowships at urf@utk.edu or 865-974-8560.