WKU News

Annie Whaley, a second-year student in Public Relations and International Affairs, has been selected for the highly competitive Fulbright US-UK Summer Institutes. She is the daughter of Jodi Lewis of Louisville. Annie will study in a fully-funded three-week program at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland led by academic experts from institutes like the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute and the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, and Justice, learning about leadership, peace-making and social transformation, and cultural and social healing in historically divided communities.  

Pah Meh, a first-year student in Computer Science, was a finalist for the Summer Institute at the University of Bristol focused on Arts, Activism, and Social Justice. Pah is the daughter of Nae Reh and Oo Meh of Bowling Green. 

Each year, the US-UK Fulbright Commission supports up to 60 first- and second-year undergraduates from across the United States to undertake a demanding academic and cultural summer program at leading institutions in the UK. Fulbright Summer Institutes cover participants’ major costs and provide them with a distinctive support and cultural education program including comprehensive pre-departure guidance, enrichment opportunities in country, and an opportunity to be part of the Fulbright alumni network. 

Annie credits Charlotte Elder in the Department of Communication and Timothy Rich in the Department of Political Science for helping her realize her interests and potential here on the Hill. An impulse to support people on the margins in her home community of Louisville is growing into a demonstrable commitment to human rights and gender equity. In high school she served as a tutor for the children of immigrants who work on the “backside” of Churchill Downs. Since arriving at WKU, she has helped refugees study for their citizenship tests, worked with the International Center of Kentucky to connect employers with recently arrived refugees, mentored Afghan students at WKU, and served in a variety of ambassadorial roles on campus through the Office of Admissions and Mahurin Honors College. 

“The US-UK Fulbright Summer Institutes program is one of the most competitive undergraduate scholarships out there, but as long as a student is eligible, they should apply! The application process is a great way for students to take inventory of their strengths and interests and discover their path forward,” said Melinda Grimsley, who advised students through the application process. “OSD helped pull things out of me I had no clue were there and I will sing their praises to anyone!” said Annie. 

Pah Meh, who was a finalist for the Summer Institute at the University of Bristol, said “During the application process, I had to ask my parents about their past and the history of Karenni people. Even though I didn't get much on the history of Karenni people because my parentsdidn't know very much of it, I learned a lot about my family's history. I don't think he would have revealed some of the history if I hadn't had to ask him for my application. The application questions made me think about the history and future of my family.” Pah’s goals are deeply connected to the welfare of the Karenni community in Bowling Green, the United States, and those who are still in refugee camps in Thailand. “My goal in applying was to help people in my community to learn about social change through history so we can learn from it. I would also like to grow access to technology so they can gain easy access to knowledge about events happening in the world. History is important, but we also be aware of what's happening today.” 

The US-UK Fulbright Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards, the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning. 

Maria Balinska, Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, said, “Cultural exchange is a truly transformative experience, and I am excited to see this year’s UK Summer Institutes participants embark on this journey of immersing themselves in British academia and culture. I’m confident this experience will leave a lasting impression on both the participants and on those they meet and connect with during their time here.” 

About the US-UK Fulbright Commission: The US-UK Fulbright Commission works to advance knowledge, promote civic engagement and develop compassionate leaders through education exchange between the peoples of the US and the UK. It is the only academic awards programme that operates on both sides of the Atlantic, providing grants for postgraduate study, research and teaching. Since its incepting in 1948, tens of thousands of British and American citizens have participated in our programmes, enriching their educations, developing relationships, advancing their careers and making a difference in their communities, at home and abroad. The Fulbright Program of awards is now considered amongst the most prestigious scholarship awards globally, with 60 Nobel Laureates and 39 Heads of State/Government within its 390,000 global alumni. 

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.