May 4, 2026
Murray State University has awarded Brandon Daughaday of Murray High School with the prestigious Presidential Fellowship scholarship, which includes full tuition, housing, and meals for up to four years at the University.
“It is a privilege to welcome this exceptional group of students to Murray State University,” said University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “Their dedication to academic excellence is remarkable, and we are proud to provide a rigorous, high-impact curriculum that will inspire, challenge, and support each of our Presidential Fellows as they work toward their professional and personal aspirations.”
Students selected for the Presidential Fellowship scholarship complete a rigorous multi-step application process that includes multiple in-person interviews. During their time at Murray State, recipients of the scholarship are responsible for conducting extensive research projects and serving as leaders in the campus community.
“Our Presidential Fellows are all outstanding academic achievers, but they are also selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential and service to their communities,” said Dr. Jessica Naber, director of the Honors College.
“Presidential Fellows engage in undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty mentor and frequently publish their work before leaving Murray State,” Naber added. “Besides excelling in research, Presidential Fellows often take leadership roles in student groups, ranging from the Student Government Association to Greek organizations. Fellows also participate in Education Abroad programs, developing adaptability and cultural understanding.”
Incoming first-year students who have a 28 ACT composite score minimum (or 1250 SAT verbal and math combined score minimum), along with a 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the Presidential Fellowship scholarship. For more information on the University’s Honors College, please visit murraystate.edu/honors.
Daughaday is the son of Brian and Debra Daughaday.
Photo one: Murray State University has awarded Brandon Daughaday with the prestigious Presidential Fellowship scholarship, which includes full tuition, housing, and meals for up to four years at the University. ollege Director. (back row from left) Dr. David Gibson, MSU Presidential Fellow Coordinator, and Brian Daughaday, father.
Photo two: Brandon Daughday is pictured with the 2026 Murray State University Presidential Fellowship Scholars
“It is a privilege to welcome this exceptional group of students to Murray State University,” said University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “Their dedication to academic excellence is remarkable, and we are proud to provide a rigorous, high-impact curriculum that will inspire, challenge, and support each of our Presidential Fellows as they work toward their professional and personal aspirations.”
Students selected for the Presidential Fellowship scholarship complete a rigorous multi-step application process that includes multiple in-person interviews. During their time at Murray State, recipients of the scholarship are responsible for conducting extensive research projects and serving as leaders in the campus community.
“Our Presidential Fellows are all outstanding academic achievers, but they are also selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential and service to their communities,” said Dr. Jessica Naber, director of the Honors College.
“Presidential Fellows engage in undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty mentor and frequently publish their work before leaving Murray State,” Naber added. “Besides excelling in research, Presidential Fellows often take leadership roles in student groups, ranging from the Student Government Association to Greek organizations. Fellows also participate in Education Abroad programs, developing adaptability and cultural understanding.”
Incoming first-year students who have a 28 ACT composite score minimum (or 1250 SAT verbal and math combined score minimum), along with a 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the Presidential Fellowship scholarship. For more information on the University’s Honors College, please visit murraystate.edu/honors.
Daughaday is the son of Brian and Debra Daughaday.
Photo one: Murray State University has awarded Brandon Daughaday with the prestigious Presidential Fellowship scholarship, which includes full tuition, housing, and meals for up to four years at the University. ollege Director. (back row from left) Dr. David Gibson, MSU Presidential Fellow Coordinator, and Brian Daughaday, father.
Photo two: Brandon Daughday is pictured with the 2026 Murray State University Presidential Fellowship Scholars