A-State Student in Running for Global McCall MacBain Scholarship
JONESBORO – An Arkansas State University student, Natan Gomez of Irapuato, Mexico, is a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships, Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies.
The scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, then the largest single donation in Canadian history.
Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program. McGill is ranked 30th best university in the world by QS World University Rankings 2024.
Gomez is among 37 international finalists, one of only five finalists from U.S. insitutions. Students and graduates of more than 2,250 universities applied, and 277 participated in a first round of regional interviews.
He will travel to Canada for the first time to attend final interviews in March, with travel expenses covered by the scholarship program. “I am thrilled to see the diverse nature and experience the cosmopolitan aspect of Montreal,” Gomez said. “I am a culture explorer, so I want to learn and meet as many people as possible.”
Each finalist was chosen based on character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
A biotechnology student at A-State, Gomez leads the Hispanic and Latina/o/x peer mentorship program, volunteers as a student ambassador, and works three part-time jobs. He also oversaw arts and culture events for the Student Activities Board, volunteered at the Hispanic Center in Jonesboro, and served on two university leadership search committees.
“Being a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of the highest honors I have received, and it reflects the dedication and work that led up to this moment,” said Gomez. “Arkansas State University provided the experience, friendships, jobs, and skills to accomplish this significant achievement. I cannot thank my professors, friends, and staff enough.”
He has worked as a research assistant over the past three years, and he has applied for a master's degree program in biological and biomedical engineering at McGill.
“Integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage are the characteristics we want to see in the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain scholarships at McGill.
A cohort of up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. International finalists who are not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive a $20,000 finalist award.
