Kenneth Townsend of Kosciusko, a Millsaps junior majoring in political science and English, is a 2003 recipient of the highly regarded Truman Scholarship. Only 75–80 Truman Scholarships are awarded nationwide each year, and Townsend is the first student in Millsaps history to receive the prestigious award.

"Being named a Truman Scholar has encouraged me to continue to aim high," Townsend said. "I hope that the education and the recognition that come along with the Truman Scholarship will help open doors that might not have been open before. I received this award through the assistance of Millsaps faculty and administration and the encouragement of my friends and family."

Established by Congress in 1975 as a federal memorial to the 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, the scholarship is awarded to college juniors preparing for careers in government or public service. The Truman Scholarship provides $3,000 for senior year study and $27,000 for graduate study. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communications skills, be in the top quarter of their class and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector. There have been approximately 2,240 Truman Scholars elected since the first scholarships were awarded in 1977.

"Kenneth has been a remarkable campus leader at Millsaps, excelling in the classroom, contributing to the extracurricular life of the College and participating constantly in community service projects," Millsaps President Frances Lucas-Tauchar said. "We are delighted to see that the Truman Scholarship Foundation has acknowledged what we've also discovered — that Kenneth is one of the nation's most promising scholars. He is an extraordinarily gifted and dedicated student, and we celebrate his national recognition."

Townsend serves as president of the Student Body Association at Millsaps and co-chairs the Campus Ministry Team. He is also a resident assistant and is involved in Project LEAD, a leadership development organization. Townsend is a member of Sigma Lambda (a service and leadership honorary), Omicron Delta Kappa (a leadership honorary), Phi Eta Sigma (a freshman academic honorary), Environmental Activists Ready to Help, the Multicultural Affairs Diversity Group and the Millsaps Black Student Association. He was named Freshman Man of the Year for 2000–01. Townsend is the son of Lane and Janice Townsend of Kosciusko.