Championing Scholarship: DR. MEREDITH MALBURNE-WADE LEADS THE OFFICE OF FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS.

• Position: EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION

Sometimes students need a teacher and other times a cheerleader or taskmaster to help their dreams take flight. Dr. Meredith Malburne-Wade serves as all three.

As founding director of HPU's Office of Fellowships and Awards, she guides students in pursuing more than 85 different scholarships and fellowships. Among them--with names like Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall and Truman--are some of the most prestigious, selective programs available to college graduates in the U.S.

Malburne-Wade discusses her approach, how these awards impact students' lives, and what sets the process apart at HPU.

How do students benefit from achieving prestigious fellowships, and how do these opportunities influence their future?

The benefits can be immense. Many of the awards offer fully funded graduate study, funded work or travel abroad, or other amazing experiences. They can open doors professionally and shape what graduate schools they apply to or their entire sense of self and purpose. These are highly competitive awards; indeed some are the most competitive in the world, and the process itself is both important and meaningful. Students earn valuable skills, such as the ability to communicate clearly and concisely about who they are and what they want to accomplish. They also develop stamina and commitment in pursuing their best selves. More importantly, they develop a bit of fearlessness when it comes to taking on big challenges.

What's it like applying to these programs, and how do you support that process?

Students would say the process is intense, and it is! In our first meeting, I get to know them, find out what they are passionate about and where they envision themselves in years to come. I suggest fellowships that may be of interest, and once they've selected the ones they want to apply for, the real work begins. Part of my job is helping students understand what is important to highlight in their application...