Virginia State University News April 23, 2018 Two Virginia State University Students selected as Global Fellows The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) in partnership with the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) has awarded two Virginia State University (VSU) students a Global Fellows scholarship to fund their participation in a 4-week credit-bearing education abroad program in Europe during summer 2018. Myia Jones, a junior business marketing major from Chesapeake, Virginia, will study at the CIEE Global Institute in Berlin, Germany. Ke-ana Williams, a junior mass communications major from Alexandria, Virginia, will study at the CIEE Global Institute in London, England. The scholarship provides an opportunity for student leaders to gain global perspectives through cultural immersion experiences. Upon completion of their program abroad, the students will be expected to serve as study abroad ambassadors on their campus and help facilitate workshops/sessions where they will share their study abroad experience with their peers. A member of VSU's women's volleyball team, Myia balances athletics, academics, and service to others, including volunteering at community and campus events hosted by Virginia Small Business and Supplier Diversity, the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, the VSU Student Athletic Advisory Board, and the VSU Athletics Hall of Fame program. Growing up in a military family, Myia spent her childhood in Japan and Italy. She recently traveled to Shanghai, China, where she participated in a study abroad program in international business during January 2018. Reflecting on her coming experience, she responded, "I just feel really honored to represent my school abroad! Studying abroad is a great opportunity as a college student, and it gives you a more positive outlook on life and people who are different from you." Her plans after graduation include pursing a master's degree, preferably at a university abroad. A well-known campus leader, Ke-ana Williams is the VSU 2017-2018 Junior Class secretary, Recording Secretary of the Betterment of Brothers and Sisters, Inc., and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She has volunteered with Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Richmond, helping immigrant Spanish children transition into American culture. Ke-ana plans to combine her mass communication studies with a minor in Textiles, Apparel, Merchandising Management (TAMM) to pursue graduate study and a future career as a fashion journalist and editor. Speaking of what will be her first international experience, Ke-ana noted, "I believe that traveling will build my confidence, allow me to network, and overall just allow me to experience something I never have before. Hopefully this motivates more students like me who think that they cannot travel abroad." The goal of the CIEE/CMSI three-year strategic partnership is to increase study abroad participation at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Each year a cohort of MSIs will gain access to resources including an international education leadership workshop for university presidents, faculty training and development programs on international education, and study abroad fellowships and passports for students. As a member of the 2017-2018 cohort of MSIs, Virginia State University is currently working to build upon these resources to increase access to a widening group of students interested in making study abroad a part of their academic experience at VSU. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/