{"id":96725,"date":"2025-06-02T16:04:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T21:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/?p=96725"},"modified":"2025-06-02T16:04:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T21:04:16","slug":"dsu-student-awarded-gilman-scholarship-to-study-abroad-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/2025\/06\/dsu-student-awarded-gilman-scholarship-to-study-abroad-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"DSU student awarded Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

CLEVELAND, Miss. \u2014 <\/strong>Delta State University student Jakori Johnson of Greenwood has been selected as a recipient of the U.S. Department of State\u2019s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the Spring 2025 cycle.<\/p>\n

A rising senior majoring in Computer Information Systems, Johnson will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, for five weeks to study history, politics, economics, and culture through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.\u2019s Alpha South Study Abroad Program.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my first trip abroad,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m most looking forward to connecting with people through the program and immersing myself in South African cultures. Studying abroad will help me grow personally and professionally by broadening my perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michelle Johansen, International Student Services Assistant Coordinator and campus Gilman advisor, praised Johnson\u2019s achievement. \u201cCongratulations to Jakori on his well-deserved selection as a Gilman Scholar,\u201d she said. \u201cThis prestigious recognition reflects his academic excellence and passion for cross-cultural learning.\u201d Johnson is Delta State\u2019s second Gilman recipient in two years.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of State awarded 3,500 Gilman Scholarships nationwide this spring to undergraduate students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, enabling them to study or intern abroad in more than 170 countries. More than 70 percent of recipients are from rural areas or small towns, and over half are first-generation college students.<\/p>\n

Johnson, a fellow in the DSU Honors Program and a McNair Research Scholar, serves as president of the Omicron Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was one of four students selected nationwide by the fraternity to study abroad. He also volunteers with youth at C2K Ministries, Inc. in Cleveland and recently received the 2024\u20132025 CIS Faculty Award from the College of Business and Aviation.<\/p>\n

To support his international experience, Johnson received additional funding from the Ambassador Jeanette Wallace Hyde Endowment and the DSU Goes Global Passport Program. Ambassador Hyde, a 1962 DSU alumna, served as U.S. ambassador to several Caribbean nations from 1994 to 1998. The passport program, funded by DSU alumni and friends, helps eligible students cover the cost of obtaining their first U.S. passport.<\/p>\n

The Gilman Scholarship, established by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of State\u2019s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is implemented by the Institute of International Education. The next application cycle opens in August 2025. For more information, visit gilmanscholarship.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To learn more about study abroad opportunities at Delta State, visit the International Student Services Office in Union 200 or email Michelle Johansen at mjohansen@deltastate.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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