Royse named Fulbright Scholar, to teach in Vienna this fall

 

“I look forward to acting as an ambassador for America, sharing my culture with them as they share theirs with me.  This scholarship will provide me with a wealth of networking opportunities once I return to the states, and it will open the door to graduate programs,” said Royse, an English and German major from Columbus, Ohio.

 

Royse joins such prestigious alumni of the U.S. Student Fulbright Program as actor John Lithgow, composer Philip Glass, opera singer Renee Fleming, and economist Joseph Stiglitz as well as numerous heads of state, ambassadors, judges, artists, professor, corporate executives, university presidents and national politicians. Through her roles as both student and teacher in Autria, Royse will help fulfill William Fulbright’s goal of bringing together people of different nationalities to bring about lasting peace and friendships around the world.

 

“This is a wonderful honor for both Emily and for Lipscomb University. It speaks not only to Emily’s capabilities as a student, but also to the strength and excellence of Lipscomb’s faculty and academic program. Opportunities such as the Fulbright Scholars Program help our students build on the solid academic foundation they receive while on our campus,” said Craig Bledsoe, Lipscomb University provost.

 

Royse said this experience also helps enrich her educational experience.

 

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity to spend an extended period of time in a foreign country.  Winning a Fulbright scholarship means that I have resources to help me obtain a visa and a job in the European Union — two things which would be virtually impossible to accomplish on my own.  The Fulbright organization will also help me apply to a university in Vienna, and they will pay for my tuition.  They will also supply me with a travel stipend. Spending this amount of time in Austria will help me to improve my German and to grow as an individual,” said Royse,  the daughter of Thomas and Sally Royse of Columbus, Ohio.

 

As a Lipscomb student, Royse is very involved in campus activities such as maintaining her membership in Pi Kappa Sigma service club. She has also participated in Singarama and in Lipscomb’s study abroad programs in Vienna and London.

 

Dr. Kim Reed, professor of English and foreign languages, encouraged Royse to apply for the scholarship.

 

 “Since I have known her, Emily has impressed me with her curiosity and her openness to new ideas and experiences. When I have a student with those traits who also has a great work ethic, I know she will succeed at whatever she wants to do,” said Reed.

 

“The Fulbright is one of the most prestigious awards that any scholar can receive; the competition is fierce because so many excellent candidates apply for one.  What's more, she will be a Fulbright alumna for the rest of her life, which carries a number of benefits with it, such as membership in their alumni association, friendships and networking with people from all over the world.”

 

Royse said opportunities to study abroad are invaluable.

 

 “I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to spend some time in a foreign country through study abroad, a mission trip, or some other venue.  I think it is so important, and gaining knowledge of another culture can open up a wealth of opportunities,” said Royse.

Royse said she plans to pursue graduate school to study languages or literature and a career as either a professor or editor after she completes the Fulbright program.

 

The Fulbright Scholar Program is the flagship international educational exchange program for faculty and professionals sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administrated by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), which is a division of the Institute of International Education (IIE).

 

The U.S. Student Program currently awards approximately 1,200 grants annually in all fields of study, and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide. Since the establishment of the program in 1964, more than 44,000 students from the United States and 147,000 students from other countries have benefited from the Fulbright experience. Designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, the Fulbright Scholar Program continues to be regarded by many as one of our country's best foreign diplomacy policies. The J. William Fulbright Scholarship Board is composed of twelve educational and public leaders appointed by the President of the United States to formulate the policies, procedures and selection criteria that govern the Fulbright Program. The Board also selects the grantees for Fulbright awards.