Lanisha Stevens, a spring 2019 McCluer North High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.

When Stevens begins psychology studies at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. Her award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Stevens was vice president of Rhoer Club, Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; member of the Principal’s Student Advisory Council; and president of the youth division of Restoration House Community Church. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, an all-state finalist in the string orchestra, member of the National Spanish Honor Society, McCluer North Stars “A” Honor Roll student, St. Louis Post-Dispatch “A” Honor Roll student and a student-athlete.

Stevens was awarded the McCluer North Celebration of Excellence-Middlebury College Memorial Book Award in 2018. She was an A+ tutor and volunteer for the Police Athletic League and McCluer North Special Olympics.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Stevens said she wants to serve as a voice for people who have a mental illness by becoming a counseling psychologist.

“My future career goals of studying psychology and going on to a graduate degree program in counseling will be cultivated in the psychology department at UMKC”, Stevens said. “Working with faculty that are dedicated toward the field of mental health across disciplines is exciting.”

The Trustees’ Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.

To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.

The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.