NC State Celebrates Global Achievements at Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship Reception

NC State University honored its 2023–24 cohort of Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship recipients at a reception on March 21, 2025. Held in the Talley Student Union, the event recognized students who participated in study abroad programs during Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024, and celebrated the academic and personal achievements gained through these international experiences.

The Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious award for global learning. Funded through a generous allocation from the University’s Greatest Needs fund, the scholarship provides critical financial support to students who may not otherwise have access to international education and empowers them to engage with the wider world.

“This scholarship represents more than just funding—it represents a gateway to transformative experiences and global perspectives,” said Study Abroad Director Julia Law. “We’re incredibly proud of these students who took bold steps to expand their academic journeys internationally.”

Vice Provost for Global Engagement Dr. Amy Conger expressed her gratitude to the Chancellor and student speakers. She emphasized the scholarship’s origins and growth, noting the role it has played in making global learning more accessible.

“The Chancellor has been funding this scholarship for over a decade, and its goal has always been to expand access to study abroad—to ensure that participation is possible regardless of your financial background,” Conger shared. “In 2012, about $50,000 in funding was available for this scholarship program. By this past year, that number has grown to $500,000.”

Expanding Global Horizons: The Power of Giving to Study Abroad Scholarships

The Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship continues to be a transformative force, opening doors for students from all backgrounds to gain life-changing international experiences. As study abroad becomes an integral part of an NC State education, university leadership remains committed to ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to all—especially those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

“It has been a pleasure during my tenure to watch NC State’s Study Abroad program grow into what it is today,” he shared. “Last year, we offered this incredible opportunity to a record-breaking 1,837 students. The 56 Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholars we are celebrating today represent 11 of the university’s colleges, which speaks to how deeply this program reaches across our campus.”

This continued success is made possible through the collective generosity of donors, strategic university partnerships, and other vital funding sources.

“Last year, we provided $1 million in scholarship support thanks to donors, university partners, trademark licensing funds, and the University Greatest Needs Fund,” Chancellor Woodson said. “It is my hope that your support will inspire others to give generously as study abroad continues to expand in the coming years.”

By investing in these scholarships, donors are helping to shape future global leaders and ensuring that all students—regardless of financial means—have the chance to learn, grow, and connect on a global stage.

Scholarship Recipients Reflect on Personal Growth

Throughout the event, attendees heard directly from scholarship recipients about the profound ways their experiences abroad shaped their academic goals and personal growth. 

Senior psychology and sociology major Jade Mills shared a deeply personal reflection on the impact of her semester abroad at the NC State European Center in Prague. As a first-generation college student and TRIO scholar, Jade spoke candidly about the financial barriers she faced and the profound growth she experienced while studying in a new country.

“Thanks to this truly impactful funding, I could not only afford my tuition and travel expenses, but I could afford to truly be present and engage with my new environment,” Jade shared. “In the span of four months, I went from having never left the country to visiting eight countries across Europe and finding a home outside of my hometown for the first time in my life.”

Her remarks highlighted not only her personal transformation, but also the academic enrichment she gained through experiential learning—ranging from conducting fieldwork with Czech home gardeners to recording in a Romani language studio.

Lance Williams, a first-generation college student, never imagined he’d have the chance to study abroad. Early in his college journey, he connected with Dr. Joseph Donaldson in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences—an invaluable mentor who encouraged him to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. This support helped Lance find his place in CALS and ultimately led him to Thessaloniki, Greece, where he participated in a transformative study abroad experience.

“Education is all about experiential learning,” Lance shared. “And on this trip, that learning happens far beyond the classroom. Whether I was walking through olive groves in the Greek countryside or standing atop the Acropolis, I realized just how small our time here is—and how important it is to make it meaningful.”

While studying topics like olive oil production, diet, and animal welfare, Lance found himself connecting deeply with Greek farmers and citizens eager to learn from NC State students. That connection came full circle when he returned home to serve as a summer intern with NC Cooperative Extension in Nash County, offering Mediterranean diet classes to local communities.

For first-year Marine Science student Meara Kane, the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship didn’t just fund a study abroad program—it opened the door to a transformational experience that redefined her academic and career path. After a gap year with AmeriCorps and a cross-country move to North Carolina, Meara was seeking greater focus in her studies. She found it 60 feet underwater in Bonaire, where she completed over 20 dives, contributed to coral restoration efforts, and discovered a renewed sense of purpose.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “This experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which enabled me to take on challenges that shaped my academic and personal growth. It gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities, and helped me find clarity in my passion for marine research. I’ll carry this experience with me throughout the rest of my academic career.”

Meara’s story is a powerful reminder that when students are given access to immersive learning experiences, they’re not just exploring the world—they’re discovering who they are and what they’re capable of. As the university looks ahead, the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship continues to exemplify NC State’s commitment to preparing globally engaged citizens and leaders.

This post was originally published in Office of Global Engagement.