I’m thrilled to share that Josh Donaldson, a senior biological engineering major and Honors student, was just selected as a 2026 Marshall Scholar! The award is highly competitive, with a selection rate of about 4%.

This prestigious honor was established over 70 years ago and has enabled more than 2,000 outstanding Americans to pursue postgraduate study at universities throughout the United Kingdom. Past recipients have gone on to incredible careers, including as U.S. Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and Pulitzer Prize winners.

Earlier this year, Josh also earned the Truman Scholarship (around 8% selection rate). He previously won the Critical Language Scholarship (around 10% selection rate) and was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.

In June, he received a Remington R. Williams Award from the University of Missouri Board of Curators. This honor recognizes Josh’s dedication to academic excellence and campus involvement, including his roles with Tiger Pantry, Truman’s Closet, the Missouri Students Association, Engineers Without Borders, Involvement Ambassadors and many other initiatives that make a difference for others.

Along the way, Josh was supported by incredible faculty and staff, as well as the MU Office of Global and National Fellowships. This campus resource helps students explore and prepare for opportunities to study around the country and world. Fellowship advisors offer one-on-one consultations as well as guidance on application materials. All students are encouraged to reach out and see how the office can help achieve their goals.

Congratulations, Josh! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

— Mun