SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 9, 2026 – Drury University is proud to announce sophomore Lauren Coleman (Mustang, Okla.) as a finalist for the Delta Scholars Award. Coleman is Drury’s second Delta Scholars Award finalist since 2024.
The Delta Scholars program is a summer collaboration between Harvard University and Mississippi State University’s Shackouls Honors College and features students from the Delta Region which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.
“We are thrilled that Lauren will be growing in her leadership and knowledge of public service,” Drury Fellow for National Scholarships Dr. Shelley Wolbrink said. “From our first meeting, Lauren conveyed an aptitude and passion for social justice. Excited to have her bring it back to our campus and community next year.”
Finalists will spend early June at Mississippi State learning from researchers, nonprofit organizations and community leaders in the multi-state Mississippi Delta area while traveling the region as part of a cohort. Finalists will later present their findings at a research forum in Boston.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to be a Delta Scholar and truly grateful to have been selected for this program,” Coleman said. “I am eager for the chance to meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about growth, leadership and making a meaningful impact.”
Coleman is a Music Therapy major with a minor in Exercise Physiology. An Academic All-Conference member Drury’s Track & Field program, Coleman is the president of Black United Independent Collegiate (BUIC) and also served as the student discussant for the “MLK Day Conversation” at Drury.
“Being accepted into this program motivates me to continue striving for excellence both academically and personally. I look forward to learning from mentors, building strong connections and gaining experiences that will help shape my future goals. I am also excited to contribute my own perspective and actively engage in opportunities that allow me to grow while supporting others in the program.”
As part of the award process, Coleman wrote two essays to demonstrate her investment in community service and the impact of this award on her campus and career trajectory.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu