Two Briggsies nominated for international scholarships

October 16, 2025 - Andrea Jurado-Gutierrez

Lyman Briggs College is proud to announce that Michigan State University has selected two Briggsies, Kierra Jursch and Tammy Thai, as nominees for international scholarship programs.

Kierra Jursch: U.S. Rhodes Scholarship Nominee

Kierra Jursch has blond wavy hair and glasses. She is smiling and is wearing a checkered blazer and black turtleneck top Kierra Jursch, an Honors College fourth-year student majoring in biology through Lyman Briggs College and psychology through the College of Social Science, has been nominated for the U.S. Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and perhaps most prestigious international scholarship program, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Thirty-two U.S. Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually. You may recall that Kierra was also nominated for a Marshall Scholarship.

The Rhodes results will be announced in the coming months.

Tammy Thai: McCall MacBain Scholarship Nominee

Tammy Thai smiles. She is wearing a black blazer and white top, with a cross necklace. Her hair is brown and long. Tammy Thai, a fourth-year student majoring in human biology through LBC with a minor in bioethics, has been nominated for the McCall MacBain Scholarship which brings together up to 30 exceptional students annually who strive for positive change through meaningful leadership roles. McCall MacBain Scholars connect with mentors and participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program while pursuing a fully funded master's or professional degree at McGill University in Montreal. Thai is one of three students and one alum nominated for this scholarship.

McCall MacBain Scholars will be announced in the spring.

This article was adapted from announcements made by the MSU Distinguished Student Awards Office.