WKU News

Angel Ann Semrick, a first-year Special Education and Elementary Education major and Cherry Presidential Scholar at WKU, has been selected to participate in the Fulbright UK Summer Institute at King’s College London.

Semrick, of Woodburn, is the daughter of Stephanie Lindsey and Nicholas Semrick and a student in the Honors College at WKU. The Summer Institute will provide a fully funded three-week academic and cultural program on leadership, creativity and children’s literature.

As a participant, Semrick was selected from a strong national applicant pool to experience the UK through the summer program’s assessed module—Wonderland: 100 years of children’s literature.  The theme for the institute is Leading, Inventing and Reinventing: Britain Past and Present.

“Upon learning I received a place at King’s College London, I was beside myself,” Semrick said. “As I am from such a small town, studying in a city as large as London will be quite the experience. I am thrilled to be spending my summer alongside students from all over the world who will share with me such unique cultures. As a Fulbright summer program participant, I will not only further my education in children’s literature and develop stronger leadership skills, but I will participate in a cultural exchange that allows me to grow as an individual and bring that growth home to share with my future students. I hope this work will enable me to better pour my passions into the creation of literature which truly and positively impacts children at an international level. It will also enrich my background as a future teacher and the experiences I can bring into the classroom for my students.”

Melinda Grimsley-Smith, Coordinator of International Scholarships for WKU’s Office of Scholar Development, said the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes offer an incredible opportunity for first- and second-year students to gain their first experience abroad.

“They study at some of the best universities in the United Kingdom with internationally recognized scholars and alongside exceptional students from all over the world, fully funded by the US-UK Fulbright Commission,” she said. “Angel Ann’s award is well-deserved and she will be in fabulous company this summer.”

Before graduating in 2019, Semrick hopes to study abroad for an additional semester. She is the Spirit Chair for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, a Phase II graduate of the Dynamic Leadership Institute and a member of Hilltoppers for Christ.

Semrick said OSD was instrumental in her successful application.

“OSD encouraged me to even apply to be a Fulbright summer program participant, took the time and energy to help me develop my application, and conducted mock interviews with me to prepare me for the interview process,” she said.

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 welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships. Contact Melinda Grimsley-Smith at (270) 745-5043.

About the US-UK Fulbright Commission: The US-UK Fulbright Commission was created by treaty on Sept. 22, 1948. The Fulbright Programme aims to foster mutual cultural understanding through educational exchange between the US and the UK. This it achieves through its Awards programme for US and UK citizens and through its EducationUSA Advisory Service. The Fulbright Commission offers grants at postgraduate and postdoctoral level for study in any discipline and at any accredited institution in the US and UK, as well as a number of special exchanges programmes for shorter projects or for younger scholars. It is funded by a range of partners including leading US and UK universities, charities and both governments. For  information, visit www.fulbright.org.uk. Contact: Amy Moore, Director Awards Programme, amy@fulbright.org.uk.

About the Summer Institutes: Each year, the Commission supports around 60 UK and US undergraduate students to undertake a demanding academic and cultural summer programmes at leading institutions in the US and UK respectively. This year we are hosting the following nine Summer Institute programmes at host institutions across the UK: AIFS Summer Institute at Shakespeare’s Globe; University of Bristol Summer Institute; Durham University Summer Institute; University of Exeter Summer Institute; King’s College London Summer Institute; Queen’s University Belfast Summer Institute; SOAS, University of London Summer Institute; Scotland Summer Institute (at the University of Dundee and the University of Strathclyde); and the Wales Summer Institute (at Cardiff University, Bangor University and Aberystwyth University). For information, visit http://www.fulbright.org.uk/fulbright-awards/exchanges-to-the-uk/undergraduates. Contact David Mannion, Communications and Advising Manager, press@fulbright.org.uk.

Contact: Melinda Grimsley-Smith, (270) 745-5043