English and Comparative Literature major Lexi Covalsen ’20 was recently awarded the Davies-Jackson Scholarship to pursue a second Bachelor of Arts degree in English at St. John’s College at the University of Cambridge.
Her studies will begin in October following her graduation from Oglethorpe in May 2020.
Covalsen is one of only two students who were awarded the Davies-Jackson Scholarship. This award, which covers the full cost of the program, presents a unique opportunity for first-generation recent college graduates with exceptional academic records. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to take the more advanced courses of study of a Cambridge degree course and qualify for a Cambridge B.A. in two years instead of the usual three.
The degree is usually considered the equivalent of a U.S. master’s degree due to its academic rigor, the international travel opportunities available, and the career preparation provided during the course of study.
The Council of Independent Colleges, of which Oglethorpe is a member, assists the scholarship’s U.S. Selection Committee in administering the program. Oglethorpe students are eligible via the university’s CIC membership.
I first visited England during a study abroad trip summer of 2018, and it was an incredibly transformative experience! After I came back, all my daydreams about traveling and seeing the world suddenly didn’t seem so impossible.
The Oglethorpe senior credits Dr. Glenn Sharfman, provost and vice president for academic affairs, for introducing her to this global opportunity, while Dr. Sarah Terry, associate professor of English, was an influential help during the application process.
Previously, Covalsen was the recipient of the 2018 Summer ESU Dr. Manning Pattillo, Jr. Travel Scholarship. This award covered tuition, program costs, and airfare expenses in the U.K. while Covalsen studied at Oxford University in London for two weeks. In this program, her course focused on Shakespeare studies led by Dr. Robert Hornback, professor of English.
“I know I would not be where I am today without all the support I’ve received from Oglethorpe,” said Covalsen. “I would also not have been able to achieve this opportunity to study at Cambridge without the guidance and community my professors and fellow Ogles have given me these past four years.”
