The James L. Westbrook, Jr. and Ashley Westbrook Turton Memorial Scholarship

James L. Westbrook served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, where he earned a Bronze Star and a Meritorious Service Medal. He earned a BA in political science at UNC-Chapel Hill and managed several North Carolina cities, including Asheville and Cary. The award honors his belief that continuing education for local government staff is fundamental to creating excellence in public service.

His daughter Ashley Turton served as press secretary, communications director, and chief of staff for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, and for three successive years she was featured in The Hill newspaper’s honor roll of “Top 35 staffers under 35.” The scholarship celebrates her determination to help other young women achieve success in government and politics.

All students are eligible for this scholarship based on their academic background and areas of interests upon their admittance into the MPA Program. However, preference is given to female students.