Shacoya Kidwell

Shacoya Kidwell has earned a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to Trinidad and Tobago. She will study local culture and the community while also studying the work of writer Earl Lovelace, author of “The Wine of Astonishment” and other texts.

The U.S. Student Fulbright Program, a federally sponsored international, educational and cultural exchange, recognizes academic merit and leadership potential. The program promotes mutual understanding between U.S. residents and people in more than 155 countries worldwide. Fulbrights are among the most prestigious awards in higher education.

“While striving toward my Bachelor’s degree, in particular at the University of Kentucky, I mostly had to support myself economically. This opportunity through Fulbright will allow me to devote my time fully to research, an opportunity that I would not have otherwise.”

Collegiate experience

• Areas of study:
  Graduates May 2016 from College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in English.

• Other recognition and honors:
  Kidwell transferred to UofL from University of Kentucky. While at UK she was a William C. Park scholarship recipient (similar to UofL’s Porter Scholar). At UofL she earned the English Departmental scholarship and Mary Phyllis Riedley Scholarship, which covers half tuition and room and board.

Inspired By

“I received assistance from Dr. William Carson Byrd, Dr. Theresa Rajack-Talley, and Dr. Stephen Schneider. Dr. Schneider devoted a great deal of time and energy to help perfect my Fulbright application, and he has continuously remained an extraordinarily helpful and positive mentor during my college career at the University of Louisville. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude."

Hometown information

• Hometown:
  Jeffersonville, Ind.

• High school:
  2012 graduate of Jeffersonville High School

• Parents:
  Private