West Virginia University junior Colin Street has been named a recipient of the Udall Scholarship, according to a May 15 announcement. The scholarship recognizes college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to the environment.
Street is one of only seven students in West Virginia University history to receive this national honor, joining a group of 65 scholars across the United States who will each receive $7,500 toward their education. His selection highlights his dedication to environmental policy and public service as he pursues triple majors in political science, environmental and energy resources management, and multidisciplinary studies.
“Colin’s commitment to serving WVU and the Mountain State is evident in everything he does,” WVU President Michael T. Benson said. “He is a dedicated student advocate who leads with integrity and civility as a member of the WVU Board of Governors and president of the WVU Student Government Association, and we are so proud to see him recognized nationally with the prestigious Udall Scholarship.”
Street said his academic pursuits are united by one goal: “I want to make people’s lives in West Virginia better.” He added that understanding state institutions is key for advocacy: “West Virginia’s reliance on extraction industries has had significant drawbacks on the state’s environmental health and quality of life,” he said. He believes it is possible both to respect workers in these industries while recognizing their impact on communities.
His experiences include interning at former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s office as a freshman where he learned about challenges faced by elected officials due to limited staff resources. To address policy capacity issues, Street conducted research for Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen on data center regulation, leading him to help draft several bills during this legislative session.
On campus, Street serves as president of the Student Government Association (SGA). “If people come to understand that their student government can make a positive difference in their lives, then they will come to expect that kind of positive change from their actual institutions after their time in college,” he said.
Street also reflected on his inspiration from Morris “Mo” Udall and Stewart Udall: “You don’t need to do one thing that’s going to change the world,” he said. “As long as you take the steps needed to make individual people’s lives better, eventually you will reach that goal.”
Support for Street’s application was provided by the WVU ASPIRE Office which helps students pursue nationally competitive scholarships. West Virginia University alumni have secured prestigious scholarships such as 25 Rhodes Scholars and 27 Truman Scholars; it fosters an inclusive community across its distinctive campuses; its motto ‘Mountaineers Go First’ reflects its aim toward building a stronger future for West Virginia and beyond—all according to the official website.
