ISSUED: 15 May 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Eli Hall, a 2025 graduate of Shepherd University, has been selected as the University’s first student recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award. He will use the prestigious Fulbright–LUT University Graduate Award to pursue graduate studies in Finland.
The scholarship will allow Hall to enroll in LUT University’s (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology) master’s program in technology, environment, and societal change.
Hall, who recently earned bachelor’s degrees in political science, global studies, and environmental studies from Shepherd, said this opportunity will allow him to critically engage with the interaction between people, the environment, and technological developments.
“I am principally interested in understanding how we can design policy frameworks to better address global challenges,” Hall said. “LUT’s emphasis on food, water, transportation, and energy systems will give me the education necessary to make real progress back in the United States.”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is an international educational exchange initiative between the United States and 140 partner countries. It offers opportunities in all academic disciplines to graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Recipients are selected based on academic and professional merit and leadership potential.
Dr. Samuel Greene, associate professor and co-chair of Shepherd’s Department of Social and Applied Behavioral Sciences, said Hall is an ideal candidate for the award.
“Eli’s selection as Shepherd’s first student Fulbright recipient speaks not only to his academic excellence, but also to his leadership and character,” Greene said. “I have great confidence that Eli will be a superb representative of Shepherd and the United States during his time as a Fulbrighter in Finland and beyond.”
Greene noted that he and other Shepherd University faculty supported Hall through the rigorous application process.
“I would like to thank Drs. Aart Holtslag, Brooke Comer, and Emily Liu for their support of Eli’s application,” Greene said. “I would also like to thank Lisa and Paul Welch for their continued support of the Distinguished Awards Program. Their championing of this effort has helped advance student success.”
Paul and Lisa Welch established the Paul and Lisa Welch Distinguished Awards Program at Shepherd University to provide targeted assistance to Shepherd students and faculty preparing for competitive scholarships, fellowships, and award programs such as the Fulbright Scholarship.
For more information about scholarship opportunities at Shepherd University, visit www.shepherd.edu/scholarships.
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