Williams Baptist University alumnus Edward Harthorn has established a new scholarship to assist Williams students who plan to study abroad. A $5,000 gift from Harthorn, matched by another $5,000 from an anonymous donor, provides initial funding for the Adams-McClelland Study Abroad Scholarship.
Harthorn, a 2016 WBU graduate, said he wants other students to have a study abroad experience like the one he enjoyed. While he was a Williams student, Harthorn spent a semester studying in India through a program of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). WBU is a member institution of the CCCU.
“Being immersed in a new culture provided me with experiential learning that truly enhanced what I learned in the classroom. I greatly appreciated the CCCU’s inquisitive approach based firmly in a Christian worldview,” Harthorn said.
The scholarship is named in honor of Adam Adams, former director of international programs at WBU, and Kirk McClelland, who was director of the India studies program that Harthorn experienced.
“I am ever thankful for the wisdom and guidance that Adam and Kirk provided me and so many others who ventured overseas,” Harthorn said. “Study abroad can be challenging, as well as exhilarating, and having good mentors makes all the difference.”
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded once every school year to a Williams student who studies outside the U.S. through a WBU-affiliated program.
“This is a remarkably generous gift from such a young alumnus, and it speaks to both the passion and generosity of Edward Harthorn. In establishing the Adams-McClelland Study Abroad Scholarship, he is making it possible for more students to experience the life changing study of international cultures that made a great impact on him,” said Dr. Tom Jones, president of Williams.
Harthorn noted that while $10,000 has already been raised for the scholarship, he would like to raise another $15,000 so that it can become a permanent, endowed scholarship. Those wanting to contribute or get more information can contact Brett Cooper at (870) 759-4107 or bcooper@williamsbu.edu.
Harthorn now lives in Jonesboro, where he is working on his master’s degree in history at Arkansas State University.
Williams is a Christian, liberal arts college in Walnut Ridge. It will become Williams Baptist University in July.