MACON, Ga. — Mercer University’s Office of Global Engagement has awarded its latest round of Global Leader Scholarships (GLS), providing 22 students with a total of $51,000 to participate in study abroad programs during the upcoming summer and fall semesters.
The GLS program was launched in 2019 to support students with financial need in pursuing long-term study abroad opportunities at the University. The scholarship initially offered up to $8,000 per student for programs of eight weeks or longer, but the program was expanded to include awards of up to $5,000 for programs of three to eight weeks and up to $3,000 for programs shorter than three weeks.
“We are so happy to continue facilitating this scholarship and providing opportunities for Mercer students to gain a global education,” said Emily Dunn, assistant director of global education. “This scholarship truly embodies Mercer’s commitment to leaving a positive and lasting impact on the world and supporting students in their quest to change the world.”
Of the 22 students who received the most recent scholarships, five will participate in exchange or affiliate programs and 17 will join faculty-led programs.
“I always wanted to go to a University that prioritized experiential learning and education abroad, and Mercer is that school,” said junior Megan Fachisthers, who will spend her summer in Argentina. “At Mercer, everyone majors in changing the world, but it is hard to do that without seeing it first, I am grateful for a school that supports its students’ goals no matter how far those goals take them.”
The latest cohort of Global Leader Scholars includes:
- Clifford Alford, an undeclared freshman, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Spain.
- Maria Bautista, a senior Spanish and political science double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Spain.
- Xiya Burton, an undeclared freshman, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Sweden.
- Zachary Carman, a senior neuroscience major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Spain.
- Nancy Cifuentes-Martinez, a sophomore kinesiology and Spanish double-major, will participate in a faculty-led program in Spain.
- Willow Crabtree, a senior Spanish and creative writing double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led summer program in Spain.
- Giang Doan, a junior chemistry and English double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Spain.
- Megan Fachisthers, a junior global health studies and Spanish double-major, will participate in a summer exchange program in Argentina.
- Lily Gardiner, a sophomore kinesiology major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Sweden.
- Alisha Lalani, a junior psychology major, will participate in summer exchange program in the United Kingdom.
- Ilona Lively, an undeclared sophomore, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Sweden.
- Cristian Martindale, a junior international business and marketing double-major, will participate in a fall exchange program in South Korea.
- Kristen McLeod, a junior economics and finance double-major, will participate in a summer affiliate program in Spain.
- Madyson McManigle, a freshman public health major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Sweden.
- Sreeja Pandiri, a sophomore neuroscience major, will participate in a fall exchange program in South Korea.
- Madeleine Pardue, a sophomore English and history double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Greece.
- Aaryan Patel, an undeclared sophomore, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Sweden.
- Anna Stein, a senior music and Spanish double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Spain.
- Madeline Stewart, a senior neuroscience and Spanish double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Spain.
- Carolina Stover, a junior history and philosophy double-major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Greece.
- Ria Tamrakar, an undeclared sophomore, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Sweden.
- Hannah Walker, a senior neuroscience major, will participate in a summer faculty-led program in Greece.
The next cycle for the Global Leader Scholarship will be for spring 2026 programs and will open in mid-September and close in mid-October. For more information, contact the Office of Global Engagement at studyabroad@mercer.edu or visit mercerabroad.com.
Feature photo: Mercer University recently awarded 22 students with Global Leader Scholarships. Among those students are: (front l-r) Madeleine Pardue, Megan Fachisthers, Carolina Stover, Hannah Walker (middle l-r) Ria Tamrakar, Clifford Alford, Xiya Burton (back l-r) Lily Gardiner, Zachary Carman, Nancy Cifuentes-Martinez. Photo by Leah Yetter
