Why is Hunt Special?

Approximately 20 students will receive the Hunt Leadership Scholarship each year.

In 2021-2022, we have 78 Hunt Leadership Scholars, first-year through senior, from all across the United States. Hunt Leadership Scholars span the majors of the curriculum and have widely varying backgrounds, interests, and activities. Their majors (or double majors, or majors with minors) include the fields of History, Anthropology, Public Policy, Biology, Advertising, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, Economics, and numerous interdisciplinary studies.

Scholars have unique opportunities to learn from leaders and attend forums and discussions with a variety of global changemakers. First-year Hunt Scholars take a leadership development course together during each of their first two semesters on campus. Sophomore Hunt Scholars enroll in a comparative leadership course during the spring semester that concludes with a funded international trip. Junior Hunt Scholars participate in a year-long alumni mentor program focused on professional development.

Please note that all finalists for the Class of 2026 have been notified at this time.

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Hunt Scholars are leaders and change agents within the SMU community.

campus

On Campus

Hunt Scholars are leaders in all spheres of campus life.

Scholars have served as President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the Student Body; Program Council, and Student Foundation. They have been leaders across the spectrum of SMU’s hundreds of student organizations, including organizations focused on academics, student life, politics, community service, and the faith-based community. They have served as editors for campus newspapers and publications, Resident Assistants, and tutors for numerous academic areas. Many have served key roles in the area of prospective and new student programs, as SMU Ambassadors, Orientation Leaders, and Stampede Guides.

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community

In the Community

Hunt Scholars take on leadership roles in various facets of the Dallas community.

A group of Hunt Scholars founded Mustang Heroes, a community service group that works with such organizations as Head Start, KIPP, and Family Gateway. Many Hunt Scholars also utilize Engaged Learning projects and Big iDeas grants as ways to combine their entrepreneurial spirit with their passion for giving back to the community. Additionally, the entire Hunt Scholars program participates in at least one service project together annually.  

 

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Graduation

After Graduation

The first Hunt Scholars graduated in 1997. Where are they now, and where have they gone in the past one to eight years?

A sampling:
Medical school, Law school, Divinity school, Management consulting, Graduate programs in national security studies, English, psychology, education, and American studies, Teaching, Not-for-profit sector, Newspaper reporting, College professor, Press secretary to U.S. congressman, Public relations firm, Coro Fellow; Fulbright Scholar, Intern with U.N. War Crimes Tribunal in Rwanda, Teach for America, Peace Corp

 

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