USM Leads Mississippi in Gilman International Scholarship Recipients for 2021-22
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:53pm | By: David Tisdale
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) led the state in students earning a prestigious Gilman International Scholarship during the 2021-22 academic year, with 10 recipients gaining an opportunity to study and conduct research abroad through the program.
The Gilman Scholarship is sponsored through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Its goal is to foster mutual understanding between the American people and those of other countries through friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations by increasing the number of students studying and interning abroad. The program also encourages STEM-related research and the study of languages considered important in the realm of national security.
Established through the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, the Gilman Scholarship is named after the late congressman Benjamin A. Gilman from New York, who served 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and chaired its International Relations Committee. Recipients are chosen through a competitive selection process; this year, approximately 3,000 Gilman Scholarships of up to $5,000 apiece will be awarded to help defray study abroad expenses, in particular for those with financial constraints that could prevent participation.
“The Office of Study Abroad is so happy to see Southern Miss as the top producer of Gilman Scholars in Mississippi for the 2021 -22 Academic Year,” said Jessica Bunales, assistant director for the Center for International Education’s Office of Study Abroad. “We strive to make study abroad accessible to all students, and one way is by sharing and encouraging students to apply for scholarships. We are proud to have so many Golden Eagles soaring abroad as Gilman Scholars.”
Mary Beard, director of Nationally Competitive Programs and Awards at the university,
congratulated USM’s Gilman Scholars and the Office of Study Abroad on the milestone.
“This is quite an achievement, as it showcases our students amazing ability to first
compete nationally and then to study and intern abroad,” Beard said. “The fact that
we have so many students who can engage on multiple levels is impressive.”
For information about study abroad programming at USM email Bunales or the Study Abroad contact email. Learn more about the Gilman Scholarship.