University of Arkansas students Breanna Kilgore and Nina Thomas have been named finalists for two of the nation’s most prestigious fellowship programs.
Kilgore, a 2023 biomedical engineering graduate, was selected as a finalist for the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship, while Thomas, a current undergraduate in Fulbright College, was selected as a finalist for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program.
“Breanna Kilgore and Nina Thomas are both exceptional students who are preparing to make a difference globally,” said UA provost Terry Martin. “We are proud of their accomplishments and of their desire to compete at the highest levels. They are clearly on their way to distinguished and meaningful careers.” These fellowships are highly competitive and offer exceptional opportunities for students pursuing careers in foreign service and international development.
The Donald M. Payne Fellowship provides funding for graduate study and professional development for those seeking a career in the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship prepares students for a career in the U.S. Foreign Service, offering funding for graduate study and a pathway to becoming a U.S. diplomat.
Kilgore, a native of El Dorado, graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the College of Engineering and was an Honors College Path Scholar. Thomas is a triple major in Spanish, international and global studies, and Latin American & Latino studies.
The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship was established by the U.S. Agency for International Development to encourage the next generation of international development professionals. The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program was created to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the U.S. Foreign Service.
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