Meilani Wilson Receives the Presidential Scholar Award

Meilani Wilson, an Early Childhood Special Education major, was awarded the Presidential Scholar award. 

Each year we honor the high achievements of our graduating students through the Presidential Scholar Awards. During Western's Centennial in 2000, President Karen W. Morse instituted the Presidential Scholars Award to honor graduates for their exceptional scholarship and service to the university and community. Presidential Scholars are nominated by faculty members, recommended by deans and formally selected by the president.

These awards are presented annually just prior to Western’s June commencement ceremonies.

This year, Meilani Wilson was nominated by Professor Foreman-Murray for their work, service, and
scholarship, as well as her commitment to supporting diverse populations of students and relationship building across stakeholders in the university.

Professor Foreman-Murray had this to say about Meilani:

"Meilani has been a strong scholar throughout her time at Woodring, earning a 3.47 GPA in her
classes within her program of study while working long hours to support herself financially
during her program. She has brought energy and enthusiasm to her classes, arriving
prepared for discussions and offering fresh perspectives that have broadened her
classmates experience and enhanced the learning environment for all."

"Meilani has been a consistent voice for the perspectives of students from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds in her classes. In addition to her advocacy for diverse
students as a student herself, she also served at the lead officer for the Pacific Islander
Student Association in the 2022-2023 school year, coordinating events on campus to share
Pacific Islander cultures with all WWU students, as well as leading the organization in its
mission of providing a community hub for students of Pacific Islander decent."

"Meilani’s efforts have benefited her peers, the young students with whom she works, and the faculty and administrators in her
orbit. Meilani has been a strong advocate for the interests of diverse students, both at the
university and the K-12 levels, and has brought her own warm, engaging, authentic
perspective to her time on campus. As an excellent teacher, Meilani’s work is just beginning
to impact students in our region both with and without disabilities. We are so proud of her
hard work thus far and are excited to see what excellent accomplishments await her in the
future."

Congratulations to Meilani Wilson for this prestigious and incredible achievement!