Photo: Brenna Cannon
A pair of Arkansas State University students have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, including Brenna Cannon of Mountain Home. The Gilman Scholarship provides funding to students who wish to study or intern abroad. Cannon is the third ASU student from Baxter County to receive the honor among 17 overall.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, the Gilman Scholarship program is allowing student recipients to defer their awards until 2021. Cannon will have the opportunity to conduct research in the soil and water lab while studying at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.
Cannon says, “Receiving the Gilman Scholarship will make my dreams of traveling abroad come true. I am so honored to receive this scholarship and I cannot wait to take advantage of all Australia has to offer. Studying abroad during college is a great way to experience new cultures while learning from diverse environments. College is a great time to step out of your comfort zone and study abroad.”
Cannon is a senior who has a double major in plant and soil sciences and agribusiness. She is active in numerous organizations, including Honors College, Sigma Alpha, Phi Kappa Alpha, Phi Beta Lambda, College of Agriculture Ambassadors, Agribusiness Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, FFA alumni and Arkansas Women in Agriculture.
She recently placed second in parliamentary procedure in the 2020 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Experience and Competition.
Cannon and the second scholarship recipient, Allison Shands of Cave City, join an elite group of A-State students who have received the Gilman Scholarship, bringing the total to 17.
Locally, Bailee Carter of Mountain Home was selected in the fall of 2019 for study in Thailand. Also in 2019, Montana Greve of Norfork studied in Ireland.
Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study abroad or internship program costs with additional funding available for the study of a critical language overseas. Since 2001, the Gilman Scholarship has enabled more than 31,000 Americans of diverse backgrounds to engage in a meaningful educational experience abroad. The program has successfully broadened U.S. participation in study abroad, while emphasizing countries and regions where fewer Americans traditionally study.
The late Congressman Benjamin Gilman, for whom the scholarship is named, served in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chaired the House Foreign Relations Committee.
The Gilman Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
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