Gabriella Detrick has been named a 2026 Harry S. Truman Scholar, earning one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for college students committed to careers in public service. An Honors College student at the University of Nevada, Reno, Detrick is only the eighth student in University history to receive the Truman Scholarship.

Awarded by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the Truman Scholarship is the federal living memorial to President Harry S. Truman, honoring his belief that democratic institutions depend on principled, educated leaders prepared for public service. Established by Congress in 1975, the Foundation invests in college juniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, sustained public service and a clear vision for graduate study leading to careers that strengthen communities and the nation.

Each year, between 50–60 students nationwide are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a detailed public policy proposal and a regional interview. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, along with leadership training and access to a national network of public service leaders.

“In more ways than one, my life has led me to the Truman Scholarship,” Detrick said. “Though I didn’t realize it at the time, experiences like growing up mixed race, being raised in Las Vegas, and serving a variety of communities prepared me to apply. Now that I’ve gone through the process, I understand that Truman is only the beginning of my commitment to public service.”

Detrick plans to pursue graduate study in public policy and is also considering law school to strengthen her ability to engage with the legal frameworks that shape public decision-making.

“Winning the Truman Scholarship has allowed me to dream much bigger about my future,” Detrick said. “With the support of the Truman Foundation, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and have also considered law school to strengthen my ability to write and interpret the legal language that shapes policy.”

As part of her Truman application, Detrick developed a policy proposal focused on closing regulatory gaps in international firearms policy. Her proposal calls on the U.S. Department of Commerce to update export controls regulating firearm modification devices and to work internationally to prevent their proliferation, an issue shaped by her upbringing in Las Vegas and the October 1, 2017 mass shooting, which she describes as formative in her public service career.

University leadership praised Detrick’s achievement as emblematic of Nevada’s mission and growing national presence.

“Gabriella exemplifies the very best of the next generation of leaders whose careers will be dedicated to strengthening our communities and our nation,” said University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval. “She has shown remarkable leadership, vision and integrity, while working collaboratively to improve systems, expand access and strengthen mentorship for student leaders across campus. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the example she has set for her peers.”

At Nevada, Detrick’s preparation for public service has been shaped by rigorous academic study, close faculty mentorship and immersive policy experiences. As a student in the Department of Political Science, in the College of Liberal Arts, she participated in the Nevada Legislative Internship Program, serving as an intern for Assemblymember Selena Torres-Fossett during the legislative session.

“Gabriella is a thoughtful and driven leader who is deeply committed to serving her community,” Torres-Fossett said. “Her recognition as a Truman Scholar reflects the impact she is already making and the leadership she will continue to bring back to Nevada. I’m incredibly proud to have worked with her and excited for what’s ahead.”

Within the Department of Political Science, Detrick worked closely with faculty mentors who emphasized values-driven leadership and institutional responsibility. Her faculty mentor, Jeffrey Griffin, Ph.D., highlighted her principled approach.

“Gabriella understands that leadership in public institutions is not about visibility or prestige, but rather a responsibility to the communities one serves,” Griffin said. “In this way, she truly embodies the spirit of the Truman Scholarship. What has always stood out to me is her ability to translate those beliefs into real action. Gabriella doesn’t just lead; she builds systems that help others succeed long after she is gone.”

The department celebrated the national recognition as a meaningful milestone.

“The Political Science Department is thrilled and honored that our student Gabriella Detrick has been named a 2026 Truman Scholar. It's an amazing honor for the department that Gabby won such a nationally competitive and selective award. Past Truman Scholars have included those who became U.S. Supreme Court Justices, U.S. Senators, Governors and Cabinet Secretaries. We're so happy for her and we're delighted to have been part of Gabby's journey. We look forward to all that she will accomplish in her future career in public service,” Carolyn Warner, Ph.D., chair, Department of Political Science, said.

Beyond the classroom and legislature, Detrick has held multiple leadership roles on campus. She is a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award recipient, receiving $2,400 to conduct an original study on how college students balance freedom of speech with a sense of belonging on college campuses. She is also a member of Lambda Phi Xi Multicultural Sorority Incorporated, where she serves as philanthropy chair. Detrick currently serves as chief of staff for the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), overseeing coordination across all branches of the organization and leading the ASUN Internship Program, including its structure, recruitment and ongoing development to expand access and strengthen professional growth opportunities for students.

Central to Detrick’s success was sustained mentorship from the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships (OUF) in the Honors College, which guided her through the University’s nomination process and the national competition.

“Applying for competitive fellowships like the Truman can be transformative for students,” said Jenna Altherr Flores, Ph.D., director of the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships. “It affords students a chance to answer some of the big questions about themselves, their lives, and their goals… The clarity that comes from that process often stays with students beyond the application.”

“Gabby’s belief that ‘we are also our own constituents’ shapes how she approaches policy and public service,” Altherr Flores said. “Nevada is fortunate to have her representing it in the national cohort. We are exceptionally proud of her.”

Detrick’s achievement also reflects the growing impact of OUF since its creation in 2021.

“When the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships was created in the Honors College in 2021, for the first time with its own director and staff, we envisioned a university-spanning enterprise that would clarify purpose for remarkable Nevada students with deep potential for societal impact,” said Matt Means, dean of the Honors College. “Associate Dean Ingram-Waters, Director Altherr Flores and the OUF staff have enlivened a powerful enterprise that has enabled inspiring students like Gabriella Detrick to bring to bear their full potential as change agents. We all will benefit from the results.”

Reflecting on the process, Detrick emphasized both the intensity of preparation and the importance of authenticity.

“The paneled interview was intimidating in the moment, but incredibly rewarding, because I knew that I had presented my most authentic self,” she said.

She hopes her experience encourages other students to pursue ambitious opportunities.

“To any student considering an opportunity that seems out of reach, lean on the people in your life who listen to your story, seek out mentors who remind you it’s worth telling, and chase the opportunities that give you the space to share them,” Detrick said.