(First row, L to R: Zoe Avery, Veronica Butler, Sarah Gamble. Second row, L to R: Deborah Ishimwe, Kyle Mallernee, Oo Meh, Pah Meh.) 

Four WKU students were awarded the Freeman Award for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA), with another two named alternates. An additional student was also awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants.

All students worked with the Office of Scholar Development (OSD) to prepare competitive applications.

Freeman-ASIA awards up to $7,000 to U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who will study in east or southeast Asia, aiming to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to Asia and its peoples and cultures.

The following students were recognized:

Veronica Butler of Lexington is the daughter of Jill and Matthew Butler. An internaitonal affairs, Chinese, and political science major, Veronica earned the scholarship to study in Taiwan in Summer 2025. 

Sarah Gamble of Scottsville is the daughter of Sharon and Edward Glasgow. A first-generation college student, she is an English and Chinese major. She earned the scholarship to study in Taiwan in Summer 2025.

Deborah Ishimwe of Lexington is the daughter of Semariza Richard and Jolie Namagaju. She is a criminology and Chinese major. She earned the scholarship to study in Taiwan in Summer 2025.

Kyle Mallernee of Murfreesboro, TN is the son of Cathy and Graham Mallernee. A first-generation college student, he is a computer information technology major with a minor in Asian studies. He was named an alternate for study in Japan in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Oo Meh of Bowling Green is the daughter of Po Meh and Beh Reh. A first-generation college student, she is majoring in health care administration and public health. She earned the scholarship to study in South Korea in Fall 2025.

Pah Meh of Bowling Green is the daughter Nae Reh and Oo Meh. A first-generation college student, she is a computer science major with a certificate in applied data analytics. She was named an alternate for study in South Korea in Fall 2025.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants award $1,000 to students, both members and nonmembers from campuses with Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields. Selection is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, and relation of travel to academic preparation.

The following students were recognized:

Zoe Avery of Bowling Green is a health sciences major. She earned the scholarship to study in Tanzania in Summer 2025.

Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to seek scholarship funding early, as students who plan one year in advance maximize their scholarship potential.

To explore possibilities for study abroad, students are encouraged to work with WKU Global to find the best study abroad program to fit their academic and professional goals and the WKU Office of Scholar Development to seek nationally competitive scholarships.

About the Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA): The Freeman-ASIA program supports U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. 

About Phi Kappa Phi: Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, aiming to recognize and promote academic excellence and engage scholars in service to others. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors.

About WKU Global Learning and International Affairs (WKU Global): WKU Global serves the WKU community by engaging students, faculty and staff in diverse, educational and cultural experiences through faculty-led, exchange, consortia and other study abroad opportunities.

About the Office of Scholar Development (OSD): OSD mentors students applying for national scholarships to fund “academic extras” such as study abroad, research, professional experience, and more. From first drafts to final submissions with multiple revisions in between, OSD helps students make more possible. By conceptualizing and revising the stories they tell in application essays and interviews, students better understand their strengths, interests, and purpose—and explore multiple possible pathways to that work. 

Contact: Lindsey Houchin, lindsey.houchin@wku.edu