Potter, a public health studies and policy studies double major, will pursue her master's degree at the London School of Economics next academic year.
Allison Potter ‘22 has been awarded the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship, a prestigious award that will support her pursuit of a master’s degree at the London School of Economics after graduating from Elon in May. Potter received the scholarship from the Piedmont District 7690 Rotary Club.
“This opportunity will help me grow in cultural humility and independence as I navigate living and learning across differences,” Potter said. “Leaving Elon, moving abroad and pursuing graduate school will not be easy, however, it will be an amazing adventure and will prepare me well for the future,” Potter said, a public health studies and policy studies double major.
A Class of 2022 Periclean Scholar, and member of the Omicron Delta Kappa and Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Societies, Potter hopes to work in global health consulting on program monitoring and evaluation or in refugee resettlement before pursuing her doctorate and working in an academic setting.
“I am incredibly grateful for this award and the dedicated members of District 7690 Rotary Club who will help me earn my master’s degree in London where I will be able to pursue a global education to match my global career goals,” Potter said.
Her passion for maternal and child health was shaped during a public health practicum at the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India. Observing the work of the local villagers caring for women during and following their pregnancy while also learning about the needs of women and children in low- and middle-income countries had a profound effect on Potter.
“I learned about the importance of creating interventions for public health problems through a strength-based and culturally responsible way rooted in conversation with community members, which I will use throughout my career,” she said.
The Rotary Global Grant is not the only highly selective post-graduate award that Potter has earned; she recently learned that she has been selected to teach English in Nepal through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
With Senior Lecturer in Public Health Amanda Tapler and Professor of Public Health and Human Service Studies Cynthia Fair as mentors, Potter has spent time as an intern for the refugee resettlement program at Lutheran Family Services in the summer of 2020 and with Bright Minds Africa in the summer of 2021.
Potter thanks both of her major’s departments as well as the National and International Fellowships Office for helping her prepare to take this “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.
“Being surrounded by my classmates and professors from around the world at LSE will push me to think about maternal and child health in ways I never have before and will provide incredible insight for my future career,” Potter said.
Faith Leslie ‘21 was the recipient of the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship from Rotary District 7690 last year. The $30,000 grant from District 7690 is only given to one student per year who is studying within the Rotary’s seven areas of focus: peacebuilding; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and environment.
The winners of this competitive grant may not study at universities located in the U.S. and must maintain a blog of their experience, speak with Rotary Clubs in both the U.S. and their country of study and, if possible, attend their host Rotary Club’s annual regional convention.
To learn more about the Rotary Global Scholarship, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and other nationally competitive awards, visit the National and International Fellowships website.