Slemons named Fulbright UKSI scholar

Sophomore Emilyn Slemons, who is pursuing a degree in history and is in the Honors Program at the University of North Georgia (UNG), has been named a 2024 Fulbright UK Summer Institute (UKSI) scholar.

She is one of eight students funded by the UKSI scholarship to join a larger group of students to attend a program in Aberystwyth studying "Identity and Nationhood through the lens of Wales." She is only the third student from UNG to hold the distinction.

This is her first year as a full-time college student. The Talking Rock, Georgia, resident earned additional college credits through dual enrollment.

“Emilyn’s extensive record of impactful, sustained leadership coupled with her academic excellence and commitment to the Appalachian region no doubt made her a standout to the Fulbright UKSI committee,” Dr. Anastasia Lyn, assistant vice president for academic affairs and dean of honors program, said. Similarly, in choosing UNG’s 2024-2025 Newman Civic Fellow, we applauded her motivation and drive in developing creative approaches to solve local challenges. We look forward to seeing how Emilyn grows her leadership and transfers it back to the UNG community through both elite, highly-competitive opportunities.”

Slemons was also recently named a 2024-25 Newman Civic Fellow, a yearlong program that recognizes and supports student public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership and their work with communities.

"I am excited to form connections with my peers and fellow future leaders throughout the country, and I look forward to the progress we will be able to achieve by working together," Slemons said of the designation.

Slemons was awarded the Carl A. Ross Student Paper Award (Undergraduate Category) from the Appalachian Studies Association. Her award-winning paper, "Catalyst: Memories of the Life of Helen Matthews Lewis" focused on Lewis' vital contributions to Appalachian studies and was completed for her History of Appalachia class taught by Barry Whittemore. The award was presented in memory of Alice Sampson, founder of UNG's Appalachian Studies Center and professor of middle grades education.

"Dr. Lewis was a member of the church I attend, Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). When we discussed Dr. Lewis in my History of Appalachia class last semester, I was delighted to learn about her impact on Appalachia," Slemons said. "I chose to research her because I wanted to learn more about her many accomplishments and the reach of her influence in Appalachia and beyond. Researching Dr. Lewis allowed me to connect someone from my childhood to my passion for contemporary American history in a unique and meaningful way."

Slemons added that utilizing her connections — Lewis' friends and fellow Appalachian scholars — allowed her to celebrate Lewis' life and legacy while adding a personal aspect to her paper. Lewis also served as an inspiration for the young woman.

"Reading about her life is, in many ways, a call to activism. She fought tirelessly for what she believed in, risking everything and never backing down," Slemons explained. "Researching Dr. Lewis and her work in Appalachia has allowed me to study and better identify structural oppression while learning about Appalachia, a largely under-researched but captivating area of America."

Whittemore said Slemons' paper was extraordinary.

"Her research was deep and original, including conducting oral histories. It is one of the best papers I have ever received. In competition she outshone several graduate students from other institutions," Whittemore said. "She may be the best student I have taught."

Slemons said she looks forward to going to Wales and applying what she learns there to her studies stateside.

"I cannot wait to immerse myself in Welsh culture and engage with my fellow cohort as we learn about political and economic systems in Wales," she said. "Given the similarities between Wales and Appalachia, this program will support my work as a social activist by enabling me to learn how these systems function in Wales and how I can apply this knowledge to challenges we face in the United States, particularly in Appalachia.”

Outside of UNG, Slemons serves as executive director of Women Together Period Inc., a nonprofit organization out of Ellijay that provides menstrual products at no cost to those in need. She was recently selected to serve as UNG's student representative member of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin Chamber of Commerce Board.

Slemons said she derives her sense of purpose from working to address the needs of her community and beyond.

"I know that partnership is crucial as we strive for a more equitable society," she said. "From a young age, I have been involved in community service and outreach. More importantly, these opportunities enabled me to see the needs in my community and work to address them."

Upon graduating from UNG, Slemons plans to pursue a doctoral degree in contemporary American history and aspires to become a university professor.