Michigan State University will welcome 31 National Merit Scholars this fall and 10 are headed to the College of Engineering. That means about one-third of MSU's incoming National Merit scholars will be Spartan Engineers. The prestigious National Merit Scholarship is offered to the top one percent of high school graduates nationwide.

The incoming Spartan Engineers will be members of the MSU Honors College. The MSU-sponsored National Merit Scholars are: 

Black, white and red logo of the National Merit Scholarship organization.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
  • Miranda Belo, Dublin, Ohio,
  • Luke Compton, Park Ridge, Illinois,
  • Jack Corbett, Ann Arbor, Michigan,
  • Ezra Dunscombe, Plainfield, Indiana,
  • Jonathon Gaal, Midland, Michigan,
  • Benjamin Holbrook, New Boston, Michigan,
  • Toby Joseph, Las Vegas, Nevada,
  • Kody Leano, West Chicago, Illinois,
  • Alexander Morrison, Elkhorn, Nebraska, and 
  • John Murphy, Macomb, Michigan.

Bess German, assistant dean of the MSU Honors College, said, “We are proud to have such a strong set of National Merit Scholars entering at Michigan State University and the College of Engineering, each of whom has academic and co-curricular records that match the exceptional nature of their test scores. They are poised to get involved in research, in the classroom, and in student organizations right away. We are looking forward to their contributions to our communities,” she added.  

S. Patrick Walton, associate dean for academic programs, said the college community is thrilled that these excellent students have chosen to become Spartan Engineers.

“The College of Engineering is excited for them, and all our incoming students, to experience our world-class research, dedicated teaching, and comprehensive student services, all focused on the goal of educating future leaders for Michigan and the world,” he added.

Students initially qualify for the merit program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. MSU’s merit scholars receive $1,000 a year for up to four years. Read more on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Written by Patricia Mroczek.

MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page

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