Sherman, Texas — Two Austin College students have been awarded Endowed Sumners Scholarships by The Sumners Foundation of Irving, Texas.

Maritza Maldonado ’28 and Taylor Jones ’28 each received $30,000 scholarships. Scholarships are awarded by the Foundation based on civic engagement, academic excellence, a capacity for leadership, and a desire to further our democracy.

Maldonado and Jones join Kat Stein ’28 and Zara Shah ’28 (previously named At-Large Sumners Scholars) as four of just 36 students nationally to receive a Sumners scholarship in 2026. 

A sophomore majoring in Political Science and History, Maldonado is actively involved on campus as a member of the mock trial team, student assembly, and the Austin College Women’s Soccer team. She plans to pursue a career as an immigration attorney.

This scholarship will support her academic journey while providing access to leadership programs and exclusive learning opportunities through the Sumners Foundation. 

Jones is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Public Health with a minor in Data Science.

Taylor Jones ’28

They are from Lewisville, Texas, are the Historian for Black Expressions, actively participates in the Pre-Law Society, and currently serves as a Sophomore Representative on Student Assembly. They also play bass clarinet and clarinet in Austin College’s Wind Symphony and will study abroad in South Korea in the upcoming fall term. After graduation, they plan to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and possibly a Juris Doctor to help positively influence policy-making with a data-informed background.

“The Sumners Scholarship program has been at the core of the Sumners Foundation’s purpose since shortly after its inception in 1949. Our Scholars are selected from the very best students at colleges and universities after a rigorous interview process. To be selected as a Sumners Scholar is an honor that will remain with the Scholar throughout his or her lifetime,” said Board Chairman Scott Higginbotham. “Over the decades, Sumners Scholars have made significant contributions to their communities, their states, and America. Following in the footsteps of Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, the Foundation is pleased to support students striving to improve our political system, address societal challenges through crafting public policies based upon the fundamental principles of American democracy, educate all Americans about their civic obligations as citizens, and be active, productive members of our Republic.”

Sumners Scholar alumni include such notables as U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, former Senior Deputy Attorney General of Oklahoma Dara Derryberry, Chairman of Matador Resources Joe Foran, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Nathan Hecht, President of the University of Texas at Arlington Jennifer Cowley, and past Chancellor of the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Charles L. Moore.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.

AUSTIN, Texas – A 28-year-old Austin woman who was reported missing earlier this week has been located, according to the Austin Police Department.

What we know:

Police announced Saturday that Ghadah Alharbi has been found following a public appeal for information about her whereabouts.

Alharbi was last known to have contacted family members by phone around 8 p.m. on June 16. Her disappearance was described by investigators as out of character, prompting concern from both her family and the Austin Police Department.

Authorities said she had left her vehicle at her residence in Central Austin near Mueller and was known to use ride-share services for transportation.

Dig deeper:

The Austin Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit had requested the public’s assistance in locating Alharbi on Friday, citing concerns for her well-being.

In an update released Saturday, police confirmed Alharbi had been located but did not provide additional details about where she was found or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Police thanked the community and media for their assistance and cooperation.