Fulbrighter, Dara Carney-Nedelman, joins University College as the Assistant Director of Nationally Competitive and Experiential Learning Scholarships. Dara recently completed two years as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in the Lao P.D.R at Savannakhet University. In addition to English teaching, she supported the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane’s youth scholarship selections, advised students applying for scholarships, and mentored at the Vientiane American Center and Savannakhet American Corner. Before her time in Laos, she was engaged with university students as the communications specialist for YouthMappers through Texas Tech University. YouthMappers is a network of 400+ universities in 80 countries. Dara graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2019. She conducted research in group communication and studied honors communication studies. Dara – originally from Erwin, Tennessee – is excited to have returned to the Appalachian Mountains to lead students’ in seeking life-changing experiences.
“I have had the privilege of guiding students in countries abroad in telling their stories since 2020, and I’m eager to bring that skillset back to the Appalachian Mountains. I have benefited from applying for and being selected for nationally competitive scholarships related to language study, cultural exchange, and English teaching. So, I am passionate about helping students develop through the scholarship application process and gain new perspectives through program participation. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to advise App State students in pursuing personal and professional growth through research studies, postgraduate education, teaching experiences, critical language studies, cultural exchange, and so much more. Preparing for a nationally competitive scholarship can be daunting- I am here to support App State students through the whole journey. I have a message for our students, ‘I believe in you and your aspirations, please reach out to me so we can explore all the possibilities for your future.’”
The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) supports students and alumni in applying for external funding. These opportunities for freshmen to alumni can range from language and postgraduate education studies to research, teaching, and creative endeavors. In applying for these scholarships and fellowships, students build their personal essay and grant writing skills while better understanding their strengths. They also create clear plans for reaching their personal and professional goals.
Dr. Scott Collier, the Faculty Director for Nationally Competitive Scholarships comments on the new Assistant Director: “Dara has already become an important resource for NCS, making immediate and valuable contributions during the largest Fulbright cycle we have witnessed at Appalachian. Her expertise with Fulbright will also help student success for all our international scholarship applications. Collaboration is essential in the world of nationally competitive scholarships, and Dara has proven herself to be highly effective in this area as Dara has already formed collaborations with stakeholders across the Appalachian State campus and with other university scholarship advisors nationwide. These collaborations are essential for streamlining the application process and ensuring that students receive the best possible support.” The ability to build strong networks within the academic community ensures that Appalachian students are well-equipped to compete for national scholarships.
Dara looks forward to collaborating with faculty and staff to build on the existing resources for students applying for scholarships and fellowships. She intends to further amplify award opportunities to students at App State and promote awardee achievements. To learn more about Nationally Competitive Scholarships or Dara’s work with this program visit ncs.appstate.edu.