Shiva Rajbhandari ’27
Posted via college.unc.edu on Sunday, July 3, 2025
Shiva Rajbhandari ’27 was named a 2025 Udall Scholar through a competitive national selection process. The prestigious Udall Scholarship is a federal initiative that supports undergraduate students pursuing careers in environment, Tribal public policy, or native health care. Shiva was selected alongside Mackenzie Cullinan (UNC–Chapel Hill ’26), the first time since 2000 that Carolina has had two Udall Scholars in the same year.
Shiva is a rising junior and Honors Carolina student double majoring in public policy and sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to matriculating at Carolina, he became the first high school student elected to the Boise School District Board of Trustees in Idaho. Reflecting on receiving the award, Shiva connects the Udall Scholarship to his Carolina undergraduate education and future career.
“In the long run, I hope to apply my studies towards a career in public service doing civil rights or environmental litigation, where I can continue fighting for the people I love and the places I call home,” the scholar said.
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, which administers the Udall Scholarship, was established by U.S. Congress to honor the brothers’ legacy. The Udall brothers both served as congressmen from Arizona among other public service roles.
Udall Scholars receive $7,000, participate in a scholar orientation, and join a vast network of Udall Scholars. To learn more about the Udall Scholarship and other nationally-competitive awards, see the Office of Distinguished Scholarships, which is run by Honors Carolina in the College of Arts and Sciences.
