Miles Taylor named a 2012 Marshall Scholar

One of three from IU selected

Posted: Friday, December 9, 2011

Miles Taylor, a senior majoring in political science and international security studies through the College's Individualized Major Program, is one of three IU students to be named 2012 Marshall Scholars.  The other two recipients are Madalyn Parnas and alumna Elizabeth Ogonek, both Jacobs School of Music students.  This ties the university's 1995 record for highest number of recipients for the prestigious scholarship in a single year.

Valued at over $60,000, the scholarship pays for graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom, including fees, living expenses, fares to and from the U.S., and grants for books, research, daily travel and a thesis. The scholarships were founded by the British Parliament in 1953 to commemorate the Marshall Plan, in which the United States helped the countries of Western Europe rebuild after the destruction of World War II.

"These three students exemplify the very best of Indiana University through their pursuit of academic excellence and engagement in extracurricular activities that have broadened their understanding of the world beyond the walls of the university," IU President Michael A. McRobbie said. "As recipients of the prestigious and highly selective Marshall Scholarship, they will be able to continue their personal and professional growth and prepare themselves for future leadership positions locally and globally.

"I had the pleasure of working with Miles Taylor when he served my office as IU's first-ever Presidential Student Intern and a member of my student advisory board, the Board of Aeons," McRobbie added. "In both of these roles, Miles proved to be a highly intelligent, driven and dedicated young man, destined for success as he pursues a career in public service. Miles, Madalyn and Elizabeth each deserve our sincere congratulations, and we could not be prouder of their accomplishments."

Taylor took his first steps toward fulfilling a 9/11 vow to combat transnational threats in 2008 when, at age 20, he accepted a position with the Department of Homeland Security, becoming the youngest presidential appointee in the Bush administration.

This year, Taylor moved into a position as an associate staff member on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, where he has been part of historic efforts to cut federal spending.

He intends to use his Marshall Scholarship to seek a degree in international relations at Oxford.

"Half the planet still wallows, in some form or another, under tyranny and despotism. I'm dedicating a career to changing that reality," he said. "The Arab Spring was the opening shot in a new backlash against oppressive governments that deny their people freedom. I want to ensure America supports democratic movements wherever they emerge. And I want to be able to tell despots that their time is over."

Calling receiving the Marshall Scholarship an "honor," Taylor said he owes thanks to those who helped inspire him.

"It's a cliché, but I wouldn't be here without the small army of mentors, professors, and -- most importantly -- family and friends that have helped me define who I am," he said. "The best way I can thank them is to actually get out there and make a difference."

Taylor was Indiana University's inaugural Presidential Student Intern and a Wells Scholar. Selected as a Truman Scholar in 2009, he also served as a regional policy intern in the U.S. Department of Defense and a special assistant to The Chertoff Group. He is co-founder and senior editor of Partisans Media LLC, a political website for which he writes a weekly column.

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