Hannah Ferreira becomes MTSU’s 2nd Gilman-McCain Scholarship recipient

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University sophomore Hannah Ferreira has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families.

Also known as the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, the prestigious award provides $5,000 to military dependents for study abroad experiences. She is the second student at MTSU to receive this award.

Hannah Ferreira, sophomore, psychology and political science, Honors minor — Hannah Ferreira

Laura Clippard

A Clarksville, resident, Ferreira is a psychology and political science double major with a pre-law concentration and a University Honors minor. She will use the scholarship to study the history of psychology in Austria through an MTSU Signature Program over the summer.

“Along with being a Buchanan Scholar in the Honors College, Hannah exemplifies strong leadership and civic engagement,” said Laura Clippard, undergraduate fellowship advisor at MTSU. “Her dedication to fostering connections and helping others has shaped her ability to communicate effectively. She has refined her leadership skills, demonstrating kindness, determination, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on those around her.”

A passion for politics, leadership

Ferreira’s academic journey has been shaped by a long-standing interest in both psychology and political science.

Middle Tennessee State University sophomore Hannah Ferreira, of Clarksville, Tenn., has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families, the second student at MTSU to receive this study abroad award. Ferreira, a psychology and political science double major with a pre-law concentration, will study the history of psychology in Austria through an MTSU Signature Program over the summer. (MTSU photo by Robin E. Lee)

“When I was in fifth grade, I wanted to be the first female President of the United States, and ever since, the world of politics has fascinated me,” she shared. Through leadership roles on campus, such as serving as a Blue Elite Tour Guide, an Andrew Goodman Foundation ambassador, and a member of the Student Government Association, she has developed skills that complement her studies.

Her connection to the military — through her father’s service — has also played a significant role in shaping her career aspirations.

“While I am not going into the military myself, witnessing a career focused on service to our country and its citizens has been inspiring. Regardless of what career path I end up in, I want it to be centered around service.”

Life-changing study abroad opportunity

Ferreira was drawn to the Gilman-McCain Scholarship because of its mission to foster international cooperation and build diplomatic relationships.

“Having met the two requirements — being Pell-eligible and a military dependent — I reflected on how my time living in Japan in middle school impacted me and how another experience abroad would develop my global citizenship further,” she said.

Her study abroad program in Austria will allow her to engage deeply with the history and evolution of psychology.

“Austria is uniquely the home of Sigmund Freud, whose work has shaped the entire field,” she said. Additionally, her visits to the Austrian Parliament, city hall, and the Hofburg will allow her to explore the global intersection of psychology and political life.

Bringing the experience back to MTSU

Beyond her time abroad, Ferreira plans to give back to the MTSU community through a follow-on service project as part of her scholarship requirements. She hopes to mentor potential applicants for the Gilman Scholarship and present her experiences to encourage other Pell-eligible and military-dependent students to pursue study abroad opportunities.

“I want to help students like me realize that these experiences are financially within their reach,” she explained.

Middle Tennessee State University sophomore Hannah Ferreira, of Clarksville, Tenn., shown here outside the Academic Classroom Building on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn., has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families, also known as the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. Ferreira, a psychology and political science double major with a pre-law concentration, will use the $5,000 scholarship to study the history of psychology in Austria through an MTSU Signature Program over the summer. (MTSU photo by Robin E. Lee)

An award with personal meaning

Receiving a scholarship named after the late Sen. John McCain carries special significance for Ferreira.

“John McCain’s lifetime of bravery, service, and principled leadership is an inspiration to me as someone wanting to enter the world of politics,” she said. “I am honored to receive this award and represent the United States abroad.”

As she prepares for her journey to Austria, Ferreira is excited to build diplomacy and leadership skills that will serve her in future career aspirations, including a potential role as a foreign service officer.

Her advice to other students considering applying for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship? “Just try! You never know what could happen. Be diligent with your application and authentic in your essays.”

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)