A student from West Virginia University has been awarded the Truman Scholarship, a prestigious national fellowship for college juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a commitment to public service. Sophie Slaughter, originally from Culloden and a member of the Honors College, is the 27th recipient of this award from the University.
President Gordon Gee commented on Slaughter’s dedication to public service, stating, “Sophie truly understands the value of public service and has found purpose in work to improve the lives of others.”
Slaughter is a junior at WVU, majoring in history and women’s and gender studies. They envision a world where all individuals can live safely, healthily, and autonomously. Public service, according to Slaughter, is the most effective method to advocate for this vision. “At the core of my advocacy is a belief that all people deserve care and community,” they expressed, demonstrating their commitment to abolition feminism. This approach seeks resolutions to violence that mend relationships rather than pursue retaliation.
Jay Cole, the Truman Scholarship advisor and senior advisor to President Gee, praised Slaughter’s knowledge and enthusiasm, especially in areas such as transforming the criminal legal system and advocating for Appalachia. Cole noted, “They also have a depth of knowledge about these issues born of intense curiosity and careful study.”
Slaughter is active in political advocacy statewide through the Appalachian Advocacy Network, an organization that involves students in the political processes of West Virginia. Legislative efforts are paired with community-level work, which Slaughter believes cannot be separated.
In their academic pursuits, Slaughter examines how spaces like the former West Virginia Penitentiary can perpetuate the prison industrial complex ideologically and materially. They also study the educational aspects that contribute to the dehumanization tied to incarceration.
With aspirations to earn a master’s and doctorate in history focused on Appalachian studies and critical prison studies, Slaughter also participates in projects like the Appalachian Prison Book Project and the West Virginia Innocence Project, serving those wrongfully imprisoned.
Slaughter emphasized the communal nature of service, saying, “I have something to give to you,” while stressing the importance of recognizing everyone’s contributions and needs.
The Truman Scholarship connects Slaughter to a network of public service leaders, yet they maintain gratitude towards the supportive Morgantown and WVU communities. “Me being a Truman Scholar is the result of so much support from my Morgantown and WVU communities,” Slaughter stated, appreciating the collective effort that contributed to their achievement.
