Honors student selected for national humanities fellowship

Curiosity, conversation and a deep appreciation for complex ideas have shaped the academic journey of Auburn University’s newest National Prestigious Scholarship winner.

John Murray, a senior Honors student majoring in international studies and political science, will spend time this spring participating in the Humanities at Hertog Fellowship, a highly competitive program that brings together students from around the world to explore classic and contemporary texts through immersive, discussion-driven seminars.

This spring Hertog will offer a variety of online seminars including one about Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn. This seminar will explore Twain’s two heroes – Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, with a focus on what their characters reveal about America and its ideals, citizenship, leadership and the ends of democratic life.

The Harvest, Alabama, native said he is enthusiastic not only for the chance to read Mark Twain’s works, but also for the opportunity to explore them in conversation with a diverse cohort, albeit online.

“Mark Twain was so pervasive in influencing American society because so many people picked up his books and engaged with them as part of social dialogue,” Murray said. “I’m really looking forward to hearing how other people interpret his writing. Lengthy discussions over texts are one of the best ways to understand their cultural impact, historical significance and their broader role in society.”

Finding a fit

Murray said he long considered pursuing a National Prestigious Scholarship (NPS), but after discussions with Paul Harris, professor of political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Benjamin Fagan, assistant director for NPS in the Honors College, he developed a better understanding of all the NPS opportunities available. Together with Fagan, Murray said they found the Hertog best fit his academic profile and career plans.

Such support was instrumental for Murray, but Fagan said he is dedicated to encouraging all Auburn students, whether or not they are part of the Honors College , to consider applying for National Prestigious Scholarships.

“There’s absolutely no requirement or expectation that one must be involved with the Honors College to apply for these opportunities,” Fagan said. “More Auburn students could win if more applied. Our students are as good as students at any university.”

For Murray, the Hertog felt like a natural step for someone devoted to the consumption of knowledge in the pursuit of public service. Honored to receive it and represent Auburn on a national stage, he said it’s an opportunity to immerse himself in the kind of dialogue that he believes is essential for true understanding.

“So much of what we encounter today is condensed into short clips for mass consumption, which makes it hard to truly engage with ideas,” he said. “This fellowship is different. It’s a chance to really dig into broader themes — virtue, leadership, the human condition —and see how they play out in American civil society.”

Campus experience

Murray credited Auburn with shaping his academic interests, particularly opportunities outside the classroom and beyond campus. He has studied abroad in Brussels and will travel to Washington, D.C. this summer to present a research paper he wrote on Aristotle’s “Politics.” Such experiences, combined with strong faculty mentorship, shaped his desire to pursue a career in diplomacy or public policy.

“Auburn has given me opportunities to travel and represent the university, and those experiences have helped me apply what I’ve learned in real-world settings,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Murray keeps himself engaged both physically and mentally. He runs triathlons, paces marathons and goes backpacking for physical challenge. For mental stimulation, he enjoys reading Russian literature and playing the banjo. He’s also committed to community service, volunteering with Grace Auburn Church and working with the Alabama-Germany Partnership, a nonprofit that strengthens ties between Alabama and Germany in education, business and culture.

Looking ahead, Murray plans to stay at Auburn for an accelerated master’s in public administration before heading to law school. His aspirations in public policy and diplomacy are rooted in a desire to serve, and he believes the fellowship will deepen his understanding of the ethical and philosophical foundations of public service.

“I want to use what I learn to serve others, to make a positive impact and to keep growing — both as a scholar and as a person,” he said.

For more information about national prestigious scholarships and how to get involved, contact Benjamin Fagan in the Honors College.