EMU Today

YPSILANTI— Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Khatab Alkhashali, a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Alkhashali 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 room and board for four years. 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. 

“Being a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship has been and continues to be a huge gift for me,” said Alkhashali. “I am forever grateful that the weight of paying for college has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Alkhashali graduated from West Bloomfield High School and plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. In high school, Alkhashali was president of the robotics team, which had more than 90 members and focused on mechanical building and club growth. Alkhashali was also president of his school's Middle Eastern North African Club. He was also involved in the National Honor Society and track and field. Beyond academics, he devoted time to volunteering with his local Parks and Recreation department, contributing to his community's well-being. 

Looking ahead, Alkhashali is eager to immerse himself in EMU’s hands-on engineering programs. "It (scholarship) has allowed me to pursue my mechanical engineering major to the fullest extent and focus on my goals.” I plan to spend my four years at Eastern Michigan University being involved in the community and giving back to the institution.” 

"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.