WKU News

Eight WKU students have been selected this spring as Semi-Finalists for 2023 Critical Language Scholarships. The Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS), a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Applications are evaluated in two rounds by a nationwide community of university language teachers, study abroad professionals, and fellowships advisors. Semi-Finalists are designated after the first round and Finalists are offered awards after the second round. Once they accept, they become CLS recipients. Recipients spend eight to ten weeks abroad in intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment designed to promote rapid language gains and cultural proficiency. 

WKU’s semi-finalists for the 2023 Critical Language Scholarships are: 

Justine Davis (Chinese), a third-year student in International Affairs and Chinese. Justine is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. 

Kathryn Klassen (Chinese), a second-year student in Chinese, Asian Religions and Cultures, and International Affairs. Kathryn is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. 

Gwendolyn “Gigi” Lamb (Chinese), a second-year student in Anthropology, Chinese, and Asian Religions and Cultures. Gigi is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. 

Grace Meiser (Chinese), a fourth-year student in Sociology and Chinese. Grace is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. 

Meghan Pierce (Arabic), a third-year student in International Affairs and Arabic. Meghan is a graduate of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. 

Candice Schlabach (Chinese), a first-year student in Chemistry and Chinese. Candice is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. 

Isaiah Richardson (Korean), a fourth-year student in Computer Information Technology. 

Emma Grace Young (Chinese), a second-year student in Computer Science and Chinese. Emma Grace is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. 

Applicants worked with Melinda Grimsley and Will Randolph in the Office of Scholar Development in preparing their applications. Working with OSD advisors to conceptualize, draft, and revise their application essays, students inventory their experiences and develop them into a cohesive narrative that extends into one possible future. All applicants gain clarity about their skills, interests, and plans for the future regardless of competition results. 

The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. CLS plays an important role in preparing American students for the 21st century’s globalized workforce and increasing national competitiveness. 

About the Office of Scholar Development: The office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience, and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD staff welcome the opportunity to work with any student interested in nationally competitive scholarships that #makemorepossible. 

Contact: Melinda Grimsley, (270) 745-5043