Indiana State University Newsroom

An Indiana State University student has been recognized as an American Humanics Next Generation Nonprofit Leader and will receive a $4,500 scholarship from the national organization.

ISU senior Asia Smith, an exercise science major from Gary, was one of nearly 100 student applicants from more than 30 colleges and universities to be considered for one of the competitive internship scholarships funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities, and national nonprofit organizations that strive to certify college students as entry-level nonprofit managers.

ISU American Humanics program Executive Director Nathan Schaumleffel said Smith is very deserving of the award.

"Asia is a goal setter and an ambitious leader who works very hard," Schaumleffel said. "I have been extremely impressed with Asia's human relations skills and personal organization skills."

Smith is completing an internship at McMillan Adult Day Care and Happiness Bag in Terre Haute. She serves in AmeriCorps and is a scholar in the McNair Scholarship Program that prepares students for master's and Ph.D. programs.

Schaumleffel, an ISU assistant professor of recreation/sport management, said Smith is the latest of 10 ISU students who since January 2009 have been awarded one of the scholarships recognizing them as NextGen Leaders.

"It is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work, commitment, and high-quality students that ISU has on this campus," he said. "Our students' achievements are a reflection of ISU's focus and commitment to community engagement, public service, and service-learning and its commitment to the American Humanics program."

Contact: Nathan Schaumleffel, assistant professor of recreation and sport management and campus/executive director of American Humanics, College of Nursing, Health and Human Services, Indiana State University at 812-237-2189, or nathan.schaumleffel@indstate.edu.

Writer: Rachel Wedding McClelland, assistant director of media relations, ISU Communications and Marketing at 812-237-3790 or rachel.mcclelland@indstate.edu.