Ronica Hutchison

Ronica Hutchison has earned a Boren Scholarship to study Portuguese. After spending part of the summer in 2018 at the University of Florida, she will head to Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo, Mozambique. Hutchison says she chose Mozambique because maternal health is a key component of international security and stability in the region and she spent most of her undergraduate research examining that issue.

Boren Scholarships are part of the National Security Education Program and provide funds for college students to study languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. The students typically travel to Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.

“Receiving a Boren Scholarship reflects my long journey of discovering ways in which I could align my varied interests. I am humbled to have such incredible mentors at UofL, who have inspired me to reach my greatest potential with authenticity. I can’t wait to explore the culture, history, language, and politics of Mozambique over the next year knowing that I am supported by so many people.”

Collegiate experience

• Areas of Study:

  • Graduated May, 2018, with degrees in political science, philosophy and history from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Additional Awards:

  • McConnell Scholar

Inspired By

"I am especially grateful to Dr. Tyler Fleming for encouraging me to apply to the program and helping me with my application. He has inspired me to achieve at a level higher than I ever thought possible and I cannot thank him enough for helping me find my passion for African history and culture. Additionally, I am indebted and incredibly grateful to Dr. Patricia Condon, Dr. Charles Leonard, and Bethany Smith,all of whom helped me compile and complete an application that I was proud of. Thank you all so much!"

Hometown information

• Hometown:

  Falmouth, Ky.

• High school:

  Pendleton County High School (2014)

• Parents:

  Rebecca and Dennis Hutchison