MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students Kaitlyn Woodland, a Video and Film Production major, and Maia Dennis, an Honors Buchanan Transfer Fellow and Criminal Justice Administration major, have been selected as recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

The Gilman Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Since its inception in 2001, the program has provided thousands of students with opportunities to gain critical skills, expand their global networks, and represent American culture abroad.

Award amounts can reach up to $5,000, with additional funding available for students pursuing STEM-related coursework or studying critical languages. The program emphasizes diversity of destinations and participants, with nearly 60% of Gilman scholars coming from small towns or rural communities.

Woodland, of Memphis, and Dennis, of Madison, join this distinguished group of scholars, earning recognition for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to broadening their horizons through international study.

“I applied for the Gilman Scholarship because studying abroad has always been something I wanted to experience, but I knew I would need financial support to make it possible,” said Woodland, who will be studying in Japan next fall. “When preparing my application, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my goals, my background, and why going abroad matters to me.”

“I am excited to start my minor in an entirely different country,” said Dennis, who will be studying in the Netherlands over the summer, working toward her minor in communications. “I am excited to expand my horizons. I love to travel and see what the world has to offer!”

Both students expressed enthusiasm about how the scholarship will shape their academic journeys and future careers.

“Receiving the Gilman Scholarship connects with my personal passions by giving me a chance to learn more about the world and engage with people whose experiences are very different from mine,” Woodland explained. “It supports my long-term goals by helping me grow into a more open-minded and globally aware person.”

A nontraditional student, Dennis added that leaving behind her 6-year-old daughter will be the most challenging part for her. “Leaving my little girl for that long will definitely be an adjustment.”

Ultimately, she knows it will be worth it, and the trip is something she may not have been able to do without the scholarship.

“My high school was a lower-income school with funding so stretched out. It is hard to dream of something that feels so far away. I want to show future students that it is not that far away or out of reach and that it is possible despite the obstacles or our roots,” Dennis said.

The Gilman program’s mission is to develop future American leaders with the professional skills, language abilities, and global knowledge needed to advance national security and economic prosperity. By supporting students like Woodland and Dennis, the program expands opportunities for U.S. students to build relationships abroad and foster mutual understanding.

“While in Japan, I hope to strengthen my communication skills, gain a deeper understanding of the culture, and learn more of the language,” said Woodland. “I want to build meaningful relationships, challenge my comfort zone, and come back with experiences that help me grow in confidence and perspective.” 

Their achievement is a testament to the talent and determination of MTSU’s students, underscoring the value of international education and the transformative impact of study abroad experiences.

“Funding study abroad programs expands access for students who might not otherwise have the chance, giving them meaningful opportunities to explore and learn from different cultures,” said John Vile, dean of MTSU’s Honors College.

Students interested in applying for future Gilman Scholarships or other study abroad opportunities are encouraged to visit the Office of Education Abroad. For help with Gilman essays,contact Laura Clippard with the Undergraduate Fellowships Office at laura.clippard@mtsu.edu.

For more information about the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, visit gilmanscholarship.org.

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)