Southeastern’s Matt Heggy receives Nigh Public Service Scholarship

Press Release Date: 1-19-2011

DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University senior Matt Heggy has been selected as a recipient of the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship for his exceptional leadership skills and public service interests.

Heggy, a graduate of Yukon (Oklahoma) High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the Spring 2011 semester. He is a Business Management major and will graduate this spring. Heggy currently serves as president of the Southeastern Student Government Association. He is also chair of the Council of Student Body Presidents in Oklahoma and vice chair of the Student Advisory Board to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

His future plans include graduate school.

"It’s an honor and a great opportunity," Heggy said. "I have heard great things about the Nigh Academy and am looking forward to learning more about our state."

"Matt will be an outstanding representative of Southeastern," said University president Larry Minks. "As president of the Student Government Association, he has demonstrated tremendous leadership ability and dedication. He is most deserving of the Nigh Scholarship."

As the recipient of the scholarship, Heggy will represent Southeastern at the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy, Feb. 4-8 in Oklahoma City.

Among the many prominent speakers at the academy will be Gov. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Gov. Nigh, Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Steven Taylor, Chancellor Glen D. Johnson, and academy director Mr. Carl Reherman.

The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was created to provide opportunities for students who are preparing for careers in public service, as well as giving those students a chance to interact with each other and the state's governing officials at the leadership academy.

Each college and university in Oklahoma can nominate a participant for the scholarship program, which was established in 1999. The program honors former Gov. George Nigh and his wife as a tribute to their extensive involvement in public service and education.