WKU News

WKU senior Molly Parker Robinson of Benton will use a $50,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship to pursue dual master’s degrees in the political economy of development. She will study human rights and humanitarian action at Sciences Po in Paris, France and development management at London School of Economics in London, United Kingdom.  

Robinson, the daughter of Paul and Paula Robinson, will graduate with majors in international affairs and economics and a minor in nonprofit administration in May 2023. She is pursuing a PhD in economic development and then work for an international nonprofit. She is especially interested in the intersection of law, economic policy, human rights, and international politics in the work of empowering women in their local economies around the world.  

Robinson’s experiences on and beyond the Hill have prepared her for this career. She is a Mahurin Honors College scholar, and she has served in ambassadorial roles with Spirit Masters, the official student ambassadors of WKU, and as an Admissions Ambassador for the WKU Office of Admissions. She has also held leadership positions in Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and other Greek organizations such as Circle of Sisterhood, Order of Omega Greek Honors Society, and Rho Lambda Sorority Leadership Society.  

One of her most formative experiences was an internship at the International Center of Kentucky, a nonprofit that ensures safety, dignity, and opportunity for refugees, asylees, survivors of war, and displaced populations rebuilding their lives in Bowling Green. There, she supported the immigrations process of clients and worked with the employment assistance, English language learning, and financial literacy programs—and discovered a sense of purpose for her professional pathway.

"During my time at the Center, my academic programs really came to life," she said. "I became enamored with the idea that I could spend my whole career making an impact in the way that I had in only a few short months at the Center." 

The Rotary Global Grant is helping Robinson make more possible. To apply, she secured endorsement by the Marshall County Rotary Club and prepared seven short essays detailing her plans for the grant period and how they will contribute to a career of humanitarian impact, as well as three letters of recommendation. Then, she participated in a mock interview featuring local scholars and Rotarians that was assembled by the Office of Scholar Development. 

“I had the opportunity to speak with wonderful and inspiring Rotarians who are bettering their communities all over Kentucky,” said Robinson.“I'm so grateful for their support and encouragement as I move into the next steps of my education and career.” 

About the Rotary Global Grant: The Rotary Global Grant supports exceptional students pursuing a career in an area of great humanitarian need through graduate study outside of North America who demonstrate a personal, long-term commitment to measurable, sustainable change.  

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development mentors students applying for national scholarships to fund “academic extras” such as study abroad, research, professional experience, and more. From first drafts to final submissions with multiple revisions in between, OSD helps students make more possible. By conceptualizing and revising the stories they tell in application essays and interviews, students better understand their strengths, interests, and purpose—and explore multiple possible pathways to that work.

Contact: Lindsey Houchin, lindsey.houchin@wku.edu