A passionate student who found her calling to enter public service to address inequalities in urban and rural communities is Longwood University’s 2026 nominee for the highly competitive national Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
Naiya Casimiro ’27, a political science major from Prince William County, was quickly struck by the differences in her hometown and Farmville when she moved to Longwood three years ago. Deeply interested in how political policy can help change lives for the better, she became involved in the Longwood Politics Club and applied for an internship with the Prince Edward County Administrator’s Office.
During that internship—and in long conversations with Prince Edward County Administrator Doug Stanley—her eyes opened to the practical effect that policy can have on breaking down what she calls the “systemic barriers that contribute to a loss of funding” for rural communities. She felt a deep calling to public service and asked that her internship be extended so that she could continue to work on her ideas.
Stanley was quick to agree, and her internship has lasted for two years.
What distinguishes Naiya is not simply her strong work ethic, but her genuine interest in how government decisions affect communities. In my experience, individuals who succeed in government are those who combine competence with integrity and a sense of responsibility to the communities they serve. Naiya possesses all three.
Prince Edward County Administrator Doug Stanley
“What distinguishes Naiya is not simply her strong work ethic, but her genuine interest in how government decisions affect communities,” wrote Stanley in a nomination letter to the Truman Scholarship selection committee. “Naiya has made clear her intention to pursue a career rooted in public service, and her academic and professional experiences reflect a sincere commitment to contributing to the public good. In my experience, individuals who succeed in government are those who combine competence with integrity and a sense of responsibility to the communities they serve. Naiya possesses all three.”
At the same time, she wondered how she could put her time to best use to serve the Farmville community. Whether through voter registration efforts, voter education events or organizing efforts to encourage fellow students to take part in elections, she can be seen on campus working to encourage her peers to engage with government. In addition to serving as president of the Politics Club, she has begun the process of establishing a chapter of a Rotaract Club, a group of young leaders who complete service projects, work with area government officials and develop their own leadership skills.
Now she is Longwood’s nominee for the Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders.
Only 50-60 students across the country annually receive the award, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the country. Recipients receive significant funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.
Naiya does not just talk about rural political power, she actively works toward leaving Farmville and Prince Edward County more politically empowered than when she arrived.
Dr. Mary Carver, professor of political science
“Naiya is passionate about her work and values,” said Dr. Mary Carver, professor of political science, in a nomination letter to the Truman committee. “Naiya does not just talk about rural political power, she actively works toward leaving Farmville and Prince Edward County more politically empowered than when she arrived. She is an intelligent, politically active scholar who is destined for great things.”
The Truman Scholarship is built around a policy proposal to address an ongoing issue. Building on her experience with Prince Edward County, Casimiro proposed a Rural Roads Initiative, which would direct funding, training and future investment in rural infrastructure, which is often underfunded proportionally to urban and suburban areas.
Casimiro is a political science major and a member of the Cormier Honors College, where she served as historian. She is the political action chair of the Longwood University NAACP and boasts a 3.988 GPA. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and a J.D. with a public interest and social justice concentration before entering public service.