James “Ben” Hussung, a WKU junior religious studies major from Bowling Green, is a recipient of a study abroad scholarship from the Kentucky Branch of the English-Speaking Union. This summer, he will study literature at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, UK. Additionally, Hussung will spend a week in London and is planning his own travels around Europe.

“I didn’t think I’d have much of a shot but I decided to apply anyway,” Hussung, the son of Lisa and Steve Hussung, said. “The Office of Scholar Development was extremely helpful in everything from revising my essays to preparing me for the interview.”

The mission of the ESU, promoting scholarship in an ever-burgeoning global community, is directly fulfilled through the award program, which provides funding for students who desire to study English literature, history or social sciences at Oxford, Cambridge or Edinburgh University.

In addition to funding from the ESU, Hussung is the recipient of a Jarve Endowment Scholarship, a grant program funded through a generous gift from WKU alumnus Jacque Hughes Jarve and her husband John. Jarve Endowment funding is awarded to students who show promise in international and research endeavors.  Hussung has also been tapped to receive funding from Brian Meredith, associate vice president for enrollment management at WKU, and from the WKU Office of International Programs.

OSD’s coordinator of nationally competitive opportunities, Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, advises students who are searching for ways to fund international education, creative and professional development opportunities.

“Ben showed great promise throughout the application process, and I am pleased that he has been recognized as a scholarship winner,” Kirby-Stokes said. “His ability to link this research opportunity and his future career goals in an eloquent way certainly supported his success.”

With plans to be a pastor and professor, Hussung said he is looking forward to studying ancient literature and experiencing the abundance of church history in the United Kingdom.

“The world is a lot bigger than America; there are brilliant, loving people who believe very differently than we do in every aspect of life,” he said. “To connect with these people and share with them is a key component in understand oneself as an individual.”

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars.  OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in national or international scholarships. For more information, follow the Office of Scholar Development on Twitter: @WKU_OSD and on Facebook.

Contact: Audra Jennings, (270) 745-5043.