EMU Today

YPSILANTI— Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Joshua Sell, a resident of Temperance, Michigan, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Sell is one of only 21 exceptional students selected for this prestigious honor, awarded to top-performing first-year students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to their communities.

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious award, valued at up to $100K. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and four-year room and board. Presidential Scholars are active and engaged members of The Honors College at EMU, complementing their academic college experience with further opportunities for critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership. 

“Because of this scholarship, I can spend my time learning about my passions without the stress of finances,” said Sell. “I'm able to explore educational paths that I would've never imagined without this scholarship.”

Sell graduated from Monroe County Middle College and is now working towards a degree in computer science, and potentially a double major in English. After college, he plans to work in software development and then move on to game development. Sell participated on his high school swim team, in college tutoring, and the National Honors Society. Additionally, he worked at Kroger and as a swim coach for children at his local YMCA. He also volunteered for different programs, including the Bedford

Alliance Church, and the city of Monroe, and is currently still volunteering and recently helped with the annual lighting of Monroe’s Christmas tree.

Sell is looking forward to gaining more knowledge here at EMU in software development. “This scholarship is an honorable award to receive, and reassures that the path I'm following in computer science is right for me,” said Sell. 

"We are excited to have such an impressive group of scholars join us at EMU and the Honors College this fall,” said Ann Eisenberg, dean of the Honors College. “They come from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, but they all share a passion for learning, service, and leadership, and they have all pledged to give back to EMU through their work in the classroom, student organizations, and campus offices.”

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is aligned with the University's commitment to promoting student success and engagement so students can achieve their academic goals while positively impacting the world.

Qualified students can apply for the Presidential Scholarship during their senior year of high school. For more information about the Presidential Scholarship, visit the webpage.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.