Sherman, Texas -- Austin College is proud to announce that Zara Shah ’28 has been awarded an At-Large Sumners Scholarship by The Sumners Foundation.

“I am extremely grateful for the Sumners Scholarship because it will allow me to focus on my academics and pursue my educational interests further,” said Shah. “In addition, it will alleviate so much of the burden on myself, and on my mother, who has been my sole supporter throughout college. I look forward to working with the Foundation to contribute to their goal of cultivating a more informed, motivated, and civically active population.”

Shah is a sophomore at Austin College. She is majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) with a concentration in Political Science, and minoring in German Studies and Art. She is an intern for the Institutional Marketing and Communications Division, a member of the Austin College A Cappella Choir, and vice president of CHAMPS, the disability advocacy club on campus. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to work as a Foreign Service Officer and eventually serve as a U.S. ambassador.

At-large scholarships support qualified students who demonstrate a passion for self-government. Students from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas who are attending a college or university in Texas or Oklahoma are eligible to apply.

Sumners Scholars enjoy special access to other programs sponsored by the Foundation. These currently include private access to speakers as part of a lecture series; participation in a variety of public policy, leadership, and civic participation programs; and access to several educational and internship opportunities.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.