Bridgette Agbozo ’19 will study this summer at the University of Bristol through the program sponsored by the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission.
Bridgette Agbozo ’19 has been selected for the Fulbright Summer Institute and will study at the University of Bristol through one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide. The program is sponsored by the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission.
Award recipients and summer program participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.
Agbozo has been selected from a strong applicant pool to experience the United Kingdom during the four-week cultural and academic summer program. The theme of the program at the University of Bristol is “Slavery and the Atlantic Heritage,” with the 10-student cohort to focus on furthering their understanding of the history and culture of Bristol as well as the role the city played in U.S. history. The program will also focus on the relevance of the 18th century slave trade and smuggling to modern Bristol and the United Kingdom.
“The University of Bristol Summer Institute for Young American Student Leaders affords me the opportunity to explore the origins and implications of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Bristol and in the United States,” Agbozo said. “As I complete coursework and interact with Bristolians, I will better understand how the atrocities and results of the slave trade are taught and perceived.”
Agbozo, the daughter of Delia Okai and Joseph Agbozo of Greensboro, is a Thad Eure Scholar in Elon’s Odyssey Scholars Program and is an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow. She is majoring in psychology and minoring in African and African-American studies as well as leadership studies. She is currently working with mentor Buffie Longmire-Avital, assistant professor of psychology, to explore the connections between racial identity esteem, perceived attractiveness and perceived partner availability as well as the health behaviors exhibited by young black heterosexual women.
Janelle Rouse, director of collegiate start and collegiate mentoring at Elon, said of Agbozo that “she approaches new topics, understandings and knowledge with sincerity, compassion and humility – all through a world-view lens that is enriching to both her professors and peers. As a visionary, Bridgette is a student who is in constant search of meaningful experiences where she can develop specific goals and practical strategies, build supportive networks and develop pathways for her holistic success and achievement.”
The U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission selects participants for the summer institute through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the commission looks for academic excellence and a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright program and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
“In the 70th year of this special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, we can celebrate American students seeking study abroad opportunities through our Summer Institute program,” said Penny Egan, executive director of the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission. “This is a unique opportunity to get a taste of British higher education while interacting with students from across the globe. As part of a diverse and high-achieving cohort, these students will gain immensely from the experience.”
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive predeparture orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join our alumni networks.
Elon students interested in the Fulbright program are encouraged to visit the National and International Fellowships Office in Powell building or by calling (336) 278-5749.