C-N’s Mraovic-O黑尔 receives Fulbright 学者 Award

全球最大的博彩平台的博士. Damjana Mraovic-O黑尔 has been named a Fulbright U.S. 学者. For C-N’s associate professor of English and director of the Writing Center, the news opened the door to an exciting opportunity to study and teach in 贝尔格莱德, 塞尔维亚.

Being a Fulbright 学者 is considered by many as one of the most prestigious fellowships a U.S. scholar can be awarded, with only 20% who apply earning the honor. Mraovic-O黑尔, who is in her seventh year at Carson-Newman and earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of 贝尔格莱德, says the application process itself is a bit daunting.

“Gathering an institutional support, submitting all the required documents and receiving a final decision takes at least a few months, 但是开发一个项目需要, 最有可能的, 稍微长一点,”她说。. “That means that an applicant should be not only a dedicated scholar but also an effective planner; from the application preparation time to the grant starting date, sometimes it can take even two years.”

Despite the arduous application process, Mraovic-O黑尔 says it was all worth it.

“I know it is an absolutely juvenile reaction, but when I read the acceptance email, I just started screaming for joy. My husband was working next to me, and he was first confused and terrified that something bad happened—that is, 直到他看到我的脸,她说. “The happiness and the joy were overwhelming—and also a relief that a year-long process culminated in such a great outcome.”

根据Mraovic-O 'Hare的说法, her study project is focused on authors whose origins and ethnic background are associated with 塞尔维亚 and the countries of the former Yugoslavia, but who are currently well recognized writers of American contemporary literature. The prospect of exploring and studying in the area where such writers as Téa Obreht, 亚历山大·黑, and Charles Simic have roots is a chance of a lifetime.

“During my three-month stay in 贝尔格莱德, 塞尔维亚, from September 2024 to January 2025, I will explore those connections,”她说。, “and I will also teach two courses at the Department of English and the Department of the 塞尔维亚n Studies at the Faculty of Philology, 贝尔格莱德.”

Crediting Carson-Newman Provost Jeremy J. 感谢巴克纳一直以来的支持, Mraovic-O黑尔 says the experience will not only help her with her own development as a faculty member, but also benefit her students as well.

“I hope to personally demonstrate the importance of diversity and intercultural connections,她指出, “and especially encourage C-N students to participate in international seminars and programs in order not to only broaden their horizons but also to be conscientious citizens of the world.”