Four Liberty University students awarded Fulbright grants

Four Liberty University students were recently announced as finalists in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, providing them with the opportunity to research and continue their studies internationally during the 2024-25 academic year.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a cultural exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The program operates in over 140 countries. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as record of service and leadership potential in their respective fields. Finalists pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

Olivia Mott, who graduates this spring with undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESL), has received a grant to work as an English teaching assistant in Turkey. Mott previously spent one semester studying abroad in Ecuador. She first gained an interest in Turkey in high school when she volunteered in an English as a second language class and met a Turkish student.

“I knew nothing about this country and started being interested in the language,” Mott said. “I just really had this strong desire to go there and see what the culture is like too.”

Sophia Jantomaso, who will finish her master’s degree in English this May, will work as an English teaching assistant in Argentina. While there, she plans to start community groups such as a storytelling club. Prior to leaving for Argentina, she will spend a month over the summer working in the Andes Mountains of Peru and sharing the Gospel with the Quechan people group through multiple community outreach programs.

“I could not be more grateful or honored to be a part of the Fulbright community,” she said. “I know without the support around me I never could have made this journey. Thank you more than I can say to my community of co-workers, my students, and all my recommenders and professors who supported me so constantly. I cannot wait to see what building and participating in community looks like with the Fulbright program.”

Sadie DeShon will graduate with a bachelor’s in history and interdisciplinary studies, with a minor in TESL this spring. With her Fulbright grant, she’ll be serving as an English teaching assistant at Obchodná Akadémia (Business Academy) in Senica, Slovakia, where she will assist in English conversation, grammar, culture, and creative writing classes for high school-aged students.

“I first learned about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in 2021, and I’ve wanted to pursue it since then, so receiving this grant is truly the fulfillment of years’ worth of preparing, hoping, and praying,” she said. “I’m especially grateful for the LU faculty, in particular (history professor) Dr. David Snead, (Fulbright program advisor and scholar liaison) Dr. Edna Udobong, and (modern languages assistant professor) Dr. Annik Miller, who made it possible by helping me hone my application, giving me sound advice, and encouraging me throughout this whole process. This opportunity is definitely a testament both to their patience and wisdom and to God’s provision.”

David Walker, who is pursuing a master’s in global studies, was awarded a Fulbright grant to Cambodia where he will serve as an English teaching assistant. He plans to collaborate with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Youth to advocate for the rights of those affected by disabilities worldwide.

“It is an amazing opportunity to receive this award, and I feel grateful and excited about the new growth and service opportunities it offers for Christ,” he said. “It is a humbling experience to represent the U.S. as a cultural and Christ ambassador. This moment is even more special knowing all the hard work that the university scholarship office and Dr. (Edna) Udobong contributed to bring me here.”

Social studies education graduate Asha Gillette (’22) was named as a Fulbright alternate to Colombia.

Application for the 2025-26 Fulbright cycle is open. For more information, contact Associate Professor of Government Edna Udobong, Liberty’s Fulbright Program advisor and scholar liaison, at eudobong3@liberty.edu.