Four Drury students advance to semi-finalist stage for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Springfield, MO., March 7, 2023 – Four Drury University students were selected as semi-finalists for the prestigious Fulbright Study/Research Award. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fully funded international grants for travel and work abroad in more than 160 countries.

Finalist will receive funding to travel abroad and pursue graduate studies, conduct research or teach English. During their time abroad, students will share daily experiences with those in the host country, gaining cultural exchange and an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs. Since its founding in 1946, 60 Fulbright scholars have gone on to win a Nobel Prize.

Drury applicants prepared several grants reflecting on their qualifications, ability to foster mutual understanding and potential to serve as a U.S. student ambassador. They also participated in a mentoring process unique to Drury’s campus for this year, including working closely with faculty advisors, attending a campus feedback session and receiving a campus endorsement.

“It’s gratifying to see our talented Drury students recognized at the national level,” said Dr. Shelley Wolbrink, faculty mentor for the National Scholarships and Fellowships Office. “Fulbright opportunities are life-changing for the student, local host community and future careers. It’s one of the best ways to make meaningful change.”

The four Drury students are:

• Jack Corp ’22, semi-finalist for Taiwan, is from Ozark, Missouri, and has bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History and minors in Asian Studies and Medieval & Renaissance Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Emilee Harless ’22, semi-finalist for Bulgaria, is from Independence, Missouri, and has bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, English and Writing, minors in Law & Society and Middle East Studies and a certificate in Professional Training.

 

• Marek Clough ’23, semi-finalist for Madrid, Spain, is from Wichita, Kansas, and will graduate with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, History and Spanish with a certificate in Wrongful Convictions.

 

• Destany L’heureux ’23, semi-finalist for Galicia, Spain, is from Peculiar, Missouri, and will graduate with bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish, a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Professional & Visual Communication.

 

Wolbrink says among the four Fulbright semi-finalists, three are first generation students.

“Drury students are extremely committed to leadership, have a variety of majors and certificates that make them great communicators, and are passionate about global cultures,” she said. “I know the Fulbright Commission was impressed with our student commitment to Model U.N., Think Green, Panthers First and other campus initiatives.”

Semi-finalist applications have now passed to the home countries for final consideration in Spain, Taiwan and Bulgaria. Students will be notified in late spring of their final status.

###

Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.