Panhandle State Student Receives Public Service Scholarship

Oklahoma Panhandle State University proudly announces that one of its students, Jesus Mesta, has been awarded the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and a desire to pursue a career in public service.

Mesta is a junior at OPSU majoring in Computer Information Systems. Mesta attended the leadership conference this spring semester, where he met George and Donna Nigh. He spoke about how Governor Nigh kept saying, “You can do it from here,” which resonated with Mesta. “I was inspired by the Governor and his wife during the program and hope to spread their message of success in Oklahoma.”

The George and Donna Nigh Foundation Scholarship Program was established in 1999, and since has seen over 600 students have been named Scholars. It is awarded annually to students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and a desire to make a positive impact on their community. Recipients of the scholarship are able to expand on their leadership skills as well as receive a $1,000 scholarship.

University President, Dr. Julie Dinger, commented, “Mr. Mesta is an outstanding student leader on and off campus. His ambition to take the Panhandle State Student Government Association to the next level is inspiring. It was my honor to nominate him for this leadership program.”

The Scholarship was created by Governor Frank Keating and supported by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. It allows every public and private two- and four-year institution of higher education in the state to honor one outstanding student leader as a Nigh Scholar.

Congratulations to Jesus Mesta on receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make in his community and beyond.