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Boren Scholarship Gives Student Opportunity to Study Swahili in Tanzania
While her family was stationed overseas for 13 years, Salisbury University sophomore Miranda Surrett learned different languages and cultures living in countries from South Korea to Germany. Now, thanks to a scholarship, she’ll add Tanzania to her passport.
As a recipient of the Boren Scholarship, Surrett, a public health and international studies major, is studying Swahili in Tanzania. Through 12 weeks studying Swahili in Arusha, she participates in cultural activities and learns hands-on from her host family.
Upon her return to the U.S. this fall, Surrett will serve as a U.S. State Department intern with a focus on global public health, furthering her goal toward a career in international development and helping countries build public health infrastructure.
The Boren Scholarship, officially known as the David L. Boren Scholarship, is a prestigious award funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) in the United States. It provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests, such as Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The scholarship aims to encourage students to study abroad in these areas and acquire language skills and cultural knowledge that are important for U.S. national security.
Expanding Student Opportunities: NASA and Maryland Army National Guard
Salisbury University is opening new doors for its students through two groundbreaking partnerships with NASA and the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG). These agreements are set to enhance educational and career opportunities, further solidifying SU’s commitment to providing transformative experiences.
In March 2024, SU and NASA formalized a partnership through a Space Act Agreement. This collaboration provides SU students with unparalleled opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By working directly with NASA, students will gain access to internships, research projects, and hands-on experiences with space missions and technologies. This partnership will enhance SU’s preparation of students for future careers in the aerospace industry.
Building on this momentum, SU signed an Educational Partnership Agreement with the Maryland Army National Guard in May 2024. This agreement focuses on creating pathways for students to engage with the MDARNG through internships, leadership training and educational programs. The partnership will develop leadership skills and provide practical experiences that align with the Guard’s mission and SU’s academic goals.
These strategic partnerships exemplify SU’s dedication to expanding educational horizons and preparing students for diverse career paths. By leveraging relationships with esteemed organizations like NASA and the MDARNG, SU is poised to offer its students experiences that are both academically enriching and professionally rewarding.
Fulbright Successes
Salisbury University celebrated the achievements of three students and two faculty members who have been awarded prestigious Fulbright grants. Ashlynn Burrows, Madison Cuthbert and Naomi Perry were selected as Fulbright Students. Burrows was selected for an English teaching assistantship in the Czech Republic; Cuthbert, an environmental and international studies major will conduct research in Greece; and Perry, a biology and French major will study in France.
Additionally, two faculty members, Dr. Viktoria Basham and Dr. Ryan Habermeyer, have been named Fulbright Scholars. Basham, a specialist in folklore, will be studying Bulgarian vampire myths and teaching in Sofia, Bulgaria. Her research aims to deepen the understanding of cultural narratives and their impact on contemporary society. Habermeyer, whose expertise lies in creative writing and literary studies, will be conducting research in Gdansk, Poland. His project involves exploring post-truth narratives and the blending of fact and fiction, drawing inspiration from his great-grandfather’s World War I experiences.
These Fulbright awards underscore SU’s commitment to fostering global engagement and academic excellence. The students and faculty members will not only contribute to their respective fields but also bring back valuable international perspectives that will enhance the University’s educational environment. Their experiences abroad are expected to forge new academic partnerships and inspire future collaborative projects, further establishing SU’s reputation as a hub for scholarly and cultural exchange.
