Three University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students have received Boren Scholarships from the National Security Education Program. The awards will empower Anabelle Ballard, Cole Scheibelein and Kyra Wilson to immerse themselves in languages and cultures abroad, opening doors to enriching experiences that reflect UT’s commitment to fostering global perspectives and academic excellence.
Boren Awards — including Boren Scholarships for undergraduates and Boren Fellowships for graduate students — provide up to $25,000 for language and cultural study in world regions critical to U.S. interests. Awardees commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.
“We could not be more excited as our Boren Scholarship recipients set out across the globe to apply what they have learned at the University of Tennessee and beyond,” said Meredith Malburne-Wade, director of UT’s Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. “We are grateful for their dedication, as well as the unparalleled support of their mentors, faculty members and recommenders.”
Meet the recipients
Ballard, from Nolensville, Tennessee, is studying political science (with a concentration in international affairs), Russian studies and Hispanic studies. She will graduate in May.
Through the Boren Scholarship, Ballard will spend a year studying advanced Russian language in Tallinn, Estonia. She plans to pursue a career in national security with the U.S. Department of Defense.
“As someone aspiring to a lifelong career in government service, receiving the Boren Scholarship to study Russian abroad is invaluable to my professional goals and my personal love for language,” Ballard said. “I am endlessly grateful for the support of the University of Tennessee, my friends and my family, without whom none of this would’ve been possible. Go Vols!”
Scheibelein is a sophomore from Knoxville majoring in economics with a minor in Chinese language.
The Boren Scholarship will support his study abroad in Taipei, Taiwan, where he will spend six months pursuing intensive study of the Mandarin Chinese language. He plans to pursue a career with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of International Affairs.
“I am honored to receive a Boren Award and I am excited to bring the experience and knowledge gained from my studies to the workforce,” Scheibelein said.
Wilson, who is double majoring in political science with an honors concentration in international affairs and Russian studies, hails from Maryville, Tennessee. She will graduate in May.
Through the Boren Scholarship, Wilson will spend 10 months studying at a Russian language school in Riga, Latvia. She plans to pursue a career translating and interpreting Russian media, with the long-term goal of working as a Foreign Service officer for the U.S. Department of State.
“I am incredibly grateful to the URF team for helping me during the application process,” Wilson said. “Without them, I would not have had this wonderful opportunity to continue my study of Russian abroad.”
Undergraduate Research and Fellowships supports students as they apply and interview for a wide range of nationally competitive awards, including the Boren. URF services include liaising with foundations; educating students, faculty and staff about opportunities; onboarding candidates; providing individualized application assistance; and facilitating campus endorsements. UT students seeking more information can visit the URF website and schedule an appointment to meet with the staff.
“The Boren Awards offer students an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures while studying languages that are vital to our global future,” said Janna Harvey, associate director of URF. “Our students bring curiosity, dedication and a genuine desire to understand the world more deeply. It’s inspiring to support them as they grow through these experiences and prepare to contribute meaningfully through public service.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, [email protected])