Julie Parshall selected as Gilman Scholarship Advisor Ambassador

Julie Parshall, associate director of financial aid, was selected by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to serve as an inaugural Gilman Advisor Ambassador. Over the next two years, she will serve as a voice for higher education to inform and advise colleagues at diverse U.S. colleges and universities about the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Advisor Ambassadors will share their expertise and best practices for promoting the Gilman Program and guiding students in the application process, as well as provide input to program administrators on program policies and implementation.

Since 2001, the Gilman Program has awarded more than 34,000 scholarships to American undergraduate students of limited financial means from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Gilman Scholars reflect the rich diversity of the country, and have engaged with their peers, communities, and host campuses in over 155 countries. Almost 70 percent of Gilman Scholars self-identify as racial or ethnic minorities, nearly 50 percent as first-generation college students, and almost 60 percent come from rural communities and small towns across the United States. Over 6,000 Campus Gilman Advisors play a key role in connecting American students with this scholarship opportunity.

As part of the new initiative, 20 Gilman Advisor Ambassadors, who represent diverse institutions in 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, were selected from a strong pool of applicants. The inaugural cohort is made up of professionals from study abroad offices, financial services, honors colleges and other student services positions, who will receive training from the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Gilman Program staff. Through the new Gilman Advisor Ambassadors program, this cohort of experienced Gilman Advisors will work together to offer higher education perspectives on the Gilman Program, mentor new Gilman Advisors, and participate in national-level outreach efforts through participation in conferences and campus engagement, among other activities.

As the recent Department of State and Department of Education Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education noted, “All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy.” The new Gilman Advisor Ambassadors program will support Gilman Advisors to help connect American students with international exchange opportunities.