NEWS: SUU DANCE ALUMNUS RECEIVES FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

SUU DANCE ALUMNUS RECEIVES FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah: Accomplished as a dancer, choreographer and scholar while at Southern Utah University, Jessie Metcalf is the proud recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship for postgraduate students. Ms. Metcalf will study abroad at London´s University of Roehampton and plans to utilize her Fulbright year to explore the historical, social, and cultural impact of dance and the effects of organized dance on society.

Jessica Metcalf, a Salt Lake City, Utah native, graduated summa cum laude from Southern Utah University in 2008 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Dance Performance. While in attendance, Jessie created a multitude of dynamic dance pieces, was awarded over five academic and talent related scholarships and was selected as the outstanding scholar for the School of Performing and Visual arts. In the years both pre and post university, Jessie traveled the world as a professional cruise ship dancer for Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines. When at home, she follows her passion for teaching by working at various private studios in the Salt Lake Valley and volunteering her choreography with the Bingham High School musical theatre department.

When receiving the news of Jessie´s Fulbright Scholarship, Shauna Mendini, Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, remarked, "Jessie´s achievement is a great honor not only for her but for SUU and our College. Our faculty strive to prepare students to meet opportunities as they arise; a Fulbright Scholarship presents an exceptional prospect.  I wish Jessie a great year abroad and I know that a rewarding future awaits her."

Fulbright remains the only organization offering scholarships for study or research in any field, at any accredited United States of United Kingdom university. Exchange schemes vary in terms of level and field of study: from the Distinguished Chair Awards for senior-level academics to postgraduate-level student awards, to the undergraduate-level US Summer Institutes programs on topics such as Civic Activism and Environmental Stewardship. No matter what level, all awards are united under a common aim "to generate a deeper understanding of the differing cultures and peoples of the world" as described by the late Senator Fulbright. Recipients will be tomorrow´s leaders and support the next generation to value "the special relationship" between the US and UK. Funding for the Fulbright Commission´s exchange program comes from both the US and UK governments, as well as partnerships with British universities and research charities. The university partnerships ensure scholars take advantage of centers of academic excellence across the UK. The Fulbright Program is the flagship international exchange scholarship program between the United States and operates in 155 countries worldwide. It promotes the goals of academic excellence and cultural understanding.