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UNC junior named 2013 Truman Scholar

William Gray Lindsey of Durham, a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been awarded a 2013 Harry S. Truman Scholarship for his academic, leadership and public service accomplishments.

Lindsey, a history and political science major and entrepreneurship minor, is the son of Martin and AraLu Lindsey of Durham. He has studied abroad in Oxford and London through Honors Carolina.

Lindsey is one of 62 Truman Scholars who were selected from among 629 candidates nominated by 293 colleges and universities. The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in support for graduate school toward a public service-related degree. Lindsey plans to pursue a joint-degree program in law and public administration. He is the 30th winner from UNC-Chapel Hill since the program began in 1977.

After graduate school, he hopes to work for a North Carolina senator or representative in Washington, D.C. He also would like to serve as legal counsel for the General Assembly. He has researched a wide range of issues, though he has a particular interest in energy policy. He says he is passionate about constructing good public policy for the people of North Carolina. He also may run for political office one day. “It’s immensely important to have an educated and balanced academic driving North Carolina policy,” he said.

"Will received the Congressional Award Program's Gold Medal for service in 2010, and it comes as no surprise,” said Mark Crescenzi, associate professor of political science and chair of UNC’s Truman Scholarship selection committee. “In his time at UNC, Will has worked for Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and recently interned with Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate. His sustained dedication to public service and the University community makes him an excellent choice for the Truman Scholarship."

On campus, Lindsey is the chair of the Carolina Advocacy Committee, a student group that lobbies the General Assembly. He served as vice president of the Interfraternity Council, chairman of the Greek Judicial Board and as a finance committee member of Student Congress.

A graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., he volunteered with the Duke Morris Cancer Clinic, Meals on Wheels and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.