Cal State East Bay Celebrates First-Ever Marshall Scholar: Karrington Hendrix
- BY Josh Russell
- PHOTOGRAPHY BY Garvin Tso
- December 16, 2024
Karrington Hendrix, a recent Health Science graduate with a concentration in health policy, has been named a 2025 Marshall Scholar. This prestigious honor makes Hendrix the first-ever recipient of the award from Cal State East Bay, placing her among an elite group of 36 students nationwide selected for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to global impact.
The Marshall Scholarship, established in 1953 as a tribute to the U.S. for post-WWII assistance under the Marshall Plan, provides fully funded graduate study at top universities in the United Kingdom. Hendrix, who graduated in May 2024, plans to pursue a degree in government leadership policy with a focus on enhancing global mental health accessibility.
A Passion for Mental Health Advocacy
Hendrix’s journey to the Marshall Scholarship is rooted in her passion for mental health advocacy. While at Cal State East Bay, she founded Stigma Free, a student mental health organization dedicated to reducing stigma and improving access to care. Under her leadership, the group collaborated with local therapists to provide 75 free mental health services to students during high-stress periods such as midterms and finals.
"All the credit goes to the faculty at Cal State East Bay for setting me up for success," Hendrix said. "They believed in me, supported me and guided me every step of the way."
Hendrix’s dedication to mental health has been widely recognized. In 2022, she received the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for her advocacy for BIPOC students’ mental health. She was also named the 2024 Young Innovator in Behavioral Health for her groundbreaking efforts to deliver mental health resources to her peers.
A Leader at Heart
Hailing from San Ramon, Hendrix graduated from Cal High School and began her college journey at Diablo Valley College before transferring to Cal State East Bay. While excelling academically, she also became a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she further honed her leadership skills.
Currently, Hendrix serves as a Staff Assistant for Congressman Eric Swalwell in California’s 14th Congressional District. She credits this role with deepening her understanding of policymaking and reinforcing her commitment to advancing mental health initiatives on a global scale.
When asked about her reaction to receiving the Marshall Scholarship, Hendrix said, “Oh my gosh... I was shaking. What a wave of relief. I am so grateful to Marshall. This is so generous.”
Looking Ahead
As a Marshall Scholar, Hendrix will join three other recipients from the San Francisco region to begin graduate studies in the UK in Fall 2025. She aspires to build a career in government leadership, where she can develop and implement policies to make mental health services accessible to all.
Cal State East Bay President Cathy Sandeen praised Hendrix’s achievements: “Karrington exemplifies the best of what it means to be a Cal State East Bay Pioneer—passionate, driven and committed to making a difference. Her success is a testament to her hard work and the supportive community we foster here at East Bay.”
About the Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship, funded by the British government, allows talented young Americans to study at any UK university for up to three years. Since its inception, the program has produced leaders across diverse fields, including Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel Laureates and Supreme Court justices.
With Hendrix’s selection, Cal State East Bay joins the ranks of universities represented in this prestigious program, showcasing the exceptional talent and potential of its students on a global stage.