Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology has named Erik Carson and Eleanor Miller as the 2026 W.W. Allen Scholars and Ralph Stokes as the 2026 W.W. Allen Boys & Girls Club Scholar.
The W.W. Allen Scholars Program invests in exceptional engineering students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. Made possible through the vision and generosity of W. Wayne Allen, the program provides scholars with financial support, professional and leadership development, enrichment opportunities and experiences designed to broaden their global perspectives.
Although Carson, Miller and Stokes enter OSU with different interests and career aspirations, all three share a desire to use engineering to improve the lives of others.
Ralph Stokes
For incoming mechanical engineering student Ralph Stokes, leadership and service have long gone hand in hand.
A lifelong participant in the Boys & Girls Club, Stokes began his involvement as a young athlete in the organization’s Mighty Mite sports programs and later returned as a volunteer during middle school. Through those experiences, he learned the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and giving back to his community.
A graduate of Tulsa Central High School, Stokes developed an interest in engineering through his curiosity about how things work and exposure to robotics and advanced technology.
At OSU, he plans to become involved in student organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers, while continuing to develop his leadership skills and serve as a mentor to others.
Stokes hopes to build a career designing robotic and automated systems that improve efficiency and reduce physical demands on workers. Eventually, he wants to lead engineering teams, mentor future innovators and create opportunities for others through technological advancement.
The W.W. Allen Boys & Girls Scholarship awards $15,000 annually for up to four years and includes additional funding for enrichment activities and domestic and international travels.
Erik Carson
Growing up in Wagoner, Oklahoma, Erik Carson spent hours helping his father repair old computers. What began as curiosity about why computers failed and how to fix them eventually developed into a broader interest in using technology to solve problems.
During a visit to OSU, Carson met an electrical and computer engineering student and saw how artificial intelligence and machine learning were being incorporated into student projects. The experience helped solidify his decision to pursue electrical engineering.
As an OSU student, Carson plans to seek opportunities inside and outside the classroom, develop his leadership skills through student organizations and encourage younger students to consider careers in STEM.
His long-term interests include AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, and the responsible development and application of emerging technologies.
Following his undergraduate education, Carson plans to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge through the W.W. Allen Scholars Program. He ultimately hopes to earn a doctorate and lead engineering teams developing transformative technologies.
His career aspirations also include returning to OSU as a professor, where he hopes to inspire future generations of engineers and help students discover the possibilities within the profession.
Eleanor Miller
For chemical engineering and pre-med student Eleanor Miller, engineering and medicine offer complementary paths toward the same goal: improving lives.
Growing up in a family of engineers, Miller developed an early curiosity about science and problem-solving. Conversations about chemical engineering with her father, an interest in the human body and participation in STEM summer camps helped shape her interest in applying engineering principles to medicine.
At OSU, Miller hopes to become involved in research during her first year, particularly in biomedical applications and the chemical processes that influence human health.
Her interest in endocrine research was shaped by seeing the effects chronic disease can have on everyday life. Inspired by researchers whose discoveries have made modern treatments possible, Miller hopes to contribute to research that improves outcomes for future patients.
Miller also brings a strong background in music and vocal performance to OSU. Through both music and STEM activities, she has learned the importance of perseverance, collaboration and helping others succeed.
As an Allen Scholar, Miller plans to expand her global perspective, pursue research opportunities and prepare for a career as a physician-scientist focused on pediatric endocrine care. Her goal is to combine engineering and medicine to help children live healthier lives.
The W.W. Allen Scholarship includes a cash scholarship of $10,000 annually, access to industry networking, mentorship, international travel, plus full tuition and housing to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
"What distinguishes Erik, Eleanor and Ralph as Allen Scholars is not only their academic ability, but also the sense of purpose they bring to their education,” said Carisa Ramming, associate dean of CEAT. “Each has a genuine desire to use engineering to solve meaningful problems and serve others. Investing in students like these is an investment in the future of engineering."
Through their studies at OSU and the opportunities provided by the program, Stokes, Carson and Miller will begin pursuing distinct paths while carrying forward a shared commitment to leadership, service and innovation.
"This program gives exceptional students the experiences, mentorship and global perspective they need to turn their potential into lasting impact,” Ramming said.