MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is home to yet another Fulbright Scholar. Political science major Victoria Grigsby has received one of the most competitive overseas fellowships in the country — the Fulbright Summer Institute in Wales in the United Kingdom.  

“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity. I believe it will play a huge role in preparing me for a future in political science,” said Grigsby, who is from Taft, Tennessee, and received the honor as a freshman. “I believe my coursework in the Political Science Department has helped prepare me in understanding the political aspects of the program, which includes the study of nationhood and migration.” 

The purpose of the Fulbright is to increase mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and those from other countries through the exchange of people, knowledge and skills. The grants are designed to give U.S. students the opportunity to live and study in a foreign country. Numerous MTSU students and faculty have received Fulbright awards.

“Students were chosen for this program based on our belief that they will not only gain a great deal from this experience, but equally that they are individuals who have much to offer to the other participants,” said Katharina Becker, Fulbright Summer Institute senior program manager.

“We hope they will view this as an unparalleled opportunity to not only learn and develop new skills, but equally to engage, participate and share their experiences with others,” Becker added. “We are sure that they will enjoy this cultural immersion and go back to the U.S. with even stronger leadership skills, and some new lifelong friends.” 

The summer institute takes place from June 30 to July 21 and is hosted by Aberystwyth University, home to a multitude of scholars across several disciplines with expertise in the issues at the heart of the program.

These scholars are clustered in an internationally recognized interdisciplinary center of excellence, the Centre for Welsh Politics and Society, which is, in turn, the Aberystwyth hub of the national Welsh Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data.

This year’s theme is “Identity and Nationhood through the lens of Wales”’ at a critical juncture in the politics of Wales, the UK, and wider Europe, according to the program website. 

During her time overseas and as part of the Summer Institute, Grigsby will also be able to take part in a service-learning project developed by Aberystwyth alumni. The students will visit the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff and learn about the government of Wales and how it tackles issues highlighted in the program. 

“Courses in the Global Studies Department have inspired me to learn about other cultures and serve as an ambassador,” said Grigsby. “I am most looking forward to connecting with Welsh people and learning about their culture from their perspectives.” 

In addition to her political science major, Grigsby is minoring in economics and German. She is an Honors College student and is also an active American Democracy Project student.

Along with other MTSU students, Grigsby will be presenting at the 2023 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, from May 31 to June 2, before heading overseas for the three-week Fulbright cultural and academic program. Their presentation, titled “Inspiring Us, Compelling Us: Historic Tennessee Women’s Stories Push Students to Action,” highlights the 19th Amendment. 

Joining Grigsby from MTSU will be Kayla Jenkins of Johnson City, Tennessee; Elaf Alkazzaz and Elliot Certain of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Kalea Jackson of Memphis, Tennessee.

Professors Mary Evins (history and the American Democracy Project), Lara Daniel (accounting) and Amy Sayward (history) and distinguished visiting professor Beth Harwell (political science and international relations in the College of Liberal Arts) also plan to attend the Boston conference.

MTSU’s scholarships are coordinated through the Honors College’s Undergraduate Fellowships Office. 

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