Thanks to the generosity of Miriam and Ellis Perlman, we have three new Perlman Scholars for the 2026-27 academic year. Perlman joined the UM-Flint faculty in 1967 and supported many academic programs on our campus, with a special focus on educating public service professionals.
The following Master of Public Administration graduate students were selected as this year’s scholars, each receiving an $8,000 award toward tuition for the next two semesters. Read on to learn how these awards will impact these students’ education.
Mary and Albert Perlman Scholar
Lindsey Monroe
“Receiving the Miriam and Ellis Perlman Fund for Public Service Education is both an incredible honor and a tremendous encouragement as I begin my Master of Public Administration studies. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of graduate school, but also gives me greater flexibility to take advantage of opportunities I may not otherwise have had access to. Having this support will allow me to build the knowledge and leadership skills needed for the next stage of my career.
“This award is especially significant because it recognizes the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that have shaped my 21-year journey in public service. Knowing that my efforts have been seen and valued is both deeply humbling and incredibly validating, and it reinforces that I’m on the right path and that my vision and goals are worth pursuing. I am grateful that this scholarship will allow me to continue growing professionally and make an even greater impact through my work.
“Thank you again for this incredible honor and for believing in my potential and commitment to serving others.”
The Rose and Harry Corson Scholar
Chavonté Boyd
“Receiving the Perlman Fund award is more than financial support, it is an investment in my growth as a public servant and leader.
“This award reinforces the responsibility I feel to maximize every opportunity for learning, leadership, and service throughout my graduate education. It will enable me to engage more deeply in professional development and on-campus opportunities while broadening my perspective and preparing me to lead with greater effectiveness and purpose.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence the Perlman Fund selection committee has placed in me. Each investment in my education is both a recognition of the work I have already accomplished and a vote of confidence in my potential, and I am committed to honoring that investment by using my education to build stronger communities, advocate for underserved populations, and create opportunities for future generations.”
The Mark Steven Perlman Distinguished Public Service Scholar
Presented to an individual who demonstrates distinguished service in a professional field encompassed by the MPA program.
Aisha Morrell-Ferguson
“I am deeply honored and very grateful to be selected as the 2026–2027 Mark Steven Perlman Distinguished Public Service Scholar! Thank you for recognizing my commitment to public service and for investing in my continued education and professional development.
“Receiving this award is especially meaningful because it affirms my journey shaped by service to others. I have worked exceptionally hard to create opportunities that empower others throughout my career and my years of community leadership, ministry, and volunteer service. This scholarship represents not only financial support but encouragement to continue that work with even greater knowledge and effectiveness.
“As I begin the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Michigan-Flint, this award will ease the financial burden of graduate school and allow me to focus on expanding the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving challenges facing the human services sector. As community needs continue to grow and the funding landscape becomes increasingly complex, I am committed to becoming an even more effective leader who can help organizations innovate, remain sustainable, and ultimately create greater opportunities and better outcomes for the people they serve.
“I celebrate the completion of my bachelor’s degree, prepare to begin the Master of Public Administration program, and celebrate that my son is preparing to begin his own collegiate journey in 2027.
“The Mark Steven Perlman Distinguished Public Service Scholar Award eases the financial burden of my graduate education and allows me to embrace our next steps with excitement and greater confidence, knowing that I can continue investing in both our futures while remaining deeply committed to public service. I accept this award with deep gratitude and an even deeper sense of responsibility.
“My daily mission is to live every day in peace, on purpose, and with passion by helping others imagine possibilities, pursue opportunities, and thrive. The Mark Steven Perlman Distinguished Public Service Scholar Award strengthens my resolve to continue that mission with humility and excellence.
“Thank you for believing in my potential and for investing in my continued growth as a public servant. I am deeply grateful to the Perlman Selection Committee for believing in my potential and for helping me expand meaningful, lasting impact in communities across Michigan and beyond. Thank you again for this incredible honor and for your confidence in my potential to continue advancing public service. I am very proud to represent the University of Michigan-Flint as a Mark Steven Perlman Distinguished Public Service Scholar.”
