Jefferson Scholars Foundation Announces Next Class of Jefferson and National Fellows

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation has awarded Jefferson Fellowships to 21 graduate students at the University of Virginia, and National Fellowships to seven students at leading universities across the country, including UVA.

Based solely on merit, Jefferson Fellowships are designed to identify Ph.D. and M.B.A. candidates who demonstrate outstanding achievement and the highest promise as scholars, teachers, public servants and business leaders. Once selected, fellows are charged with furthering the quality of education, intellectual life and mission of the University.

Twelve of the 21 Jefferson Fellows are pursuing a Ph.D. in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; five will attend the Darden School of Business; and four will attend the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

“The foundation works closely with Arts & Sciences, Darden and Engineering to administer three distinct Jefferson Fellowship competitions every year,” said Ben Skipper, director of graduate and undergraduate programs at the foundation. “We customize the selection process and the fellowship package for each school in order to identify a strong cohort of Jefferson Fellows.

Jefferson Fellows receive full support to attend the University for the fellowship period, living and research stipends, space to engage in research and collaborative conversation and a variety of professional development and enrichment opportunities.

The foundation administers a separate competition for its National Fellowship program. Designed to support outstanding scholars at leading institutions across the country – including UVA – who are pursuing a Ph.D. in American history, politics, public policy and foreign relations, National Fellowships provide support for one year of dissertation research and writing. Recipients are paired with a renowned senior scholar in their field and are invited to convene in Charlottesville twice a year for major academic conferences.

“National Fellows contribute to the overall quality of education and intellectual life of the University in a significant way,” Skipper said. “The National Fellowship conferences offer UVA students and faculty an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with scholars at other prestigious institutions, giving them a chance to broaden their discussions and expand their scholarly networks.”

Both Jefferson and National Fellows are invited to use the foundation’s 32,700-square-foot facility, which includes multifunctional spaces for research presentations, conferences, lectures and individual study.

For a complete list of the 2018 Jefferson and National Fellows, click here. For more information about the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, click here.