Bradley Lackey, a junior biomedical sciences major from Elizabethtown, learned he was the recipient of the prestigious JoAnne J. Trow Scholarship from the Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) national honor society.
“I was in shock when I received the news,” he said. “It was a humbling feeling to be chosen for this nationally recognized scholarship.”
Lackey earned the highest scholarship amount offered: $6,000. This level of funding is only awarded to five students across the country. This marks the third consecutive year an EKU student has been recognized as a scholarship recipient. The Trow Scholarship was established in 1988 in honor of a past national president. Lackey will use the funds to continue his quest to become a certified physician assistant.
“This award will help me financially throughout my educational journey so that I can one day give back as others have given to me,” he said.
“Bradley is a trailblazer. At EKU, he established one of the first VP of Diversity positions found in any Alpha Lambda Delta chapter nationwide,” said Travis Martin, administrator of first-year courses for EKU and faculty advisor of the Alpha Lambda Delta organization.
“He was in the inaugural cohort for the national office’s internship program. From there, he impressed enough people to be asked to serve as a student advisor to the Association of College Honor Societies. From the Honors Program to McNair Scholars, everywhere Bradley goes he makes the most out of his opportunities. ALD’s Trow Scholarship will only open more doors, allowing his natural brilliance to shine through. Bradley is a fine example of the excellence found among our student body.”
Lackey served last academic year as one of two EKU student interns for ALD’s internship program. He was the organization’s first diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) intern.
“I got involved with Alpha Lambda Delta because I wanted to make professional connections, become more involved on campus, and grow as a scholar,” he said. “The best part is that my experience with Alpha Lambda Delta turned out to be so much more than I ever imagined it could be. It is mind-blowing how a simple email invitation turned into an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Lackey serves as a tutor and mentor for the Student Success Center, a peer ambassador for the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Global Engagement and is involved in the Dr. Rodney T. Gross Scholars program.
Lackey mentions Martin as having a positive impact on his collegiate experience.
“He is by far one of the best mentors, advisors and faculty members at Eastern Kentucky University,” Lackey said of Martin. “He is relatable, hardworking and motivational to the students he works with, even when we might not be self-motivated.”
ALD celebrates academic success during the first year of college. Students who earn a 3.5 or higher in their first semester or academic year are eligible for membership.