Story and photo by Logan Jackson
When Audrey Walker decided she wanted to major in journalism at the collegiate level, she immediately began researching which programs would allow her to pursue her goals. There was one university that continued to pop up on nearly every search she did – the University of Missouri.
“Every list I saw that featured the top journalism schools from across the country included Mizzou,” Walker said. “I wasn’t really planning on attending a school in the Midwest, but I figured I would at least tour the campus. My dad and I toured Mizzou in the winter, and it was such a great experience. The campus was beautiful, and everybody was so nice. That’s what actually stood out to me – everyone was incredibly kind.”
Walker, who is from Elburn, Illinois, applied to Mizzou soon after her visit and learned more about university through a Mizzou admissions representative. She was particularly interested in the scholarship offerings, especially the Stamps Scholarship.
“The first time I heard about the Stamps Scholarship was when a Mizzou admissions representative from the Chicagoland area visited my high school and handed out a few flyers and promotional materials,” Walker said. “Once I learned more about Stamps, I was very interested.”
Mizzou has partnered with the Stamps Scholars Program since 2017 to offer this premier scholarship to more than 50 Tigers. Mizzou Stamps Scholars receive a four-year, full cost of attendance scholarship, plus an additional $16,000 enrichment fund to be used during the student’s four years to enhance their studies and academic pursuits. Stamps Scholars are enrolled in the Honors College for all four years, working toward the completion of the Honors Certificate. This year, Mizzou will welcome seven Stamps Scholars.
Around 20 semifinalists are invited each February to the Stamps interview weekend where they learn more about the Mizzou campus, meet current Stamps Scholars and interview for the scholarship. Walker was one of the individuals invited to interview.
“I really enjoyed meeting the current Mizzou Stamps Scholars because I was able to ask them questions and get a feel for the student life,” Walker said. “It was nice to hear that they have enjoyed the academics, the opportunities and the social engagements.”
Walker is one of seven Stamps Scholars who will begin their collegiate journeys at Mizzou this fall.
“I was walking into school when I got a call from a mid-Missouri number and figured it had to be someone from Mizzou,” Walker said. “It was Dean (Catherine) Rymph calling to offer me to the scholarship, and it was such an awesome feeling. I dropped all by bags and called my mom, my dad and my brother. I was on cloud nine the entire day.”
Walker said growing up she had a variety of interests and even wanted to be a professional pilot at one point. Her interest in journalism began in high school.
“My passion for journalism kind of came out of left field,” Walker said. “I signed up for a journalism class my sophomore year because it was going to allow me to get out of an English class later. I didn’t like writing going into the class, but I had an amazing teacher who really shaped my entire view of journalism. By my senior year, I knew I had to do something tied to journalism in college.”
Through the Stamps Scholarship, Walker will be able to conduct research at Mizzou. This will be her first experience with research, and she’ll focus on a project tied to her interest in journalism.
“I’m so excited to jump in and start my project,” Walker said. “I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in research, especially as a freshman.
“It really feels like the world is at my feet. There are so many incredible journalism professors and professionals at Mizzou, and I’m thrilled to interact with them. It feels like I’m working into a space with unlimited possibilities.”