Behind the Scholarships: The Team Helping UEA Donor-Supported Students Dare to Do Different

Each year, dozens of students arrive at UEA supported by a donor-funded scholarship, an award that can change the course of their studies and their lives. But what does it take to make these scholarships happen?

We spoke to Claire McMullen, Scholarships Administrator in the Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office, to find out how these life-changing opportunities come to life behind the scenes.

Claire’s team coordinates more than 50 scholarships each year, working with donors, academics, and Student Services to match funding to students who demonstrate potential, talent, or need.

“It’s about more than just money,” Claire explains. “Every scholarship tells a story of a donor’s belief in education, and a student’s determination to succeed. We make sure those stories connect in the right way.”

This year’s Scholars’ Welcome event marked the arrival of UEA’s newest group of bright scholars. It was also the first cohort to join since the launch of Dare to Do Different, UEA’s £100 million campaign to benefit students, pioneering research and the campus community.

Scholarships are at the heart of this campaign, supporting students across our diverse campus, from the labs and lecture halls to sports clubs, community projects and wellbeing initiatives.

For many scholars, the welcome event was their first chance to meet the people who make their studies possible including representatives from UEA’s Wellbeing Team and Careers Service, who shared advice on seeking support and guidance at university.

As one new scholar reflected:

"This scholarship gives me the freedom to focus on my goals and give back to others in the future."

The event also featured a Q&A with current scholars, where Freddie Marlowe spoke about how donor support has shaped his time at UEA:

“Through my scholarship, I’ve had opportunities I could never have imagined. From meeting Sir Paul Nurse to connecting with donors who’ve inspired my career ambitions, it’s given me confidence, direction and a real sense of belonging at UEA.”

Alongside the panel, presentations from key support teams highlighted the community behind every scholarship.

“Seeing that impact never gets old,” Claire says.

Mini Spotlight: Q&A with Claire McMullen

Q: Can you tell me what happens behind the scenes when a new scholarship is created?

Claire: “There’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. It usually starts with a conversation, often with our Development Managers, who have been working closely with a donor to understand what kind of impact they want to make.

From there, we work together to finalise the details: who the scholarship is for, what the eligibility criteria will be, and how we’ll manage the selection process. We also take the opportunity to speak directly to the relevant Heads of School as well as Finance and Admissions to make sure everything is set up correctly including how the funds will be distributed and how students can apply. The process is very collaborative which is key to the success of the scholarship.”

Q: How do you decide which students are the best fit for each scholarship?

Claire: “Scholarships are awarded by a panel made up of Admissions Directors, Heads of Schools and Academics who make an assessment on each eligible application. When we're matching students with donor-funded scholarships, the panel are focused on finding the right fit, not just in terms of eligibility, but in terms of story and impact.

We remind the panel of the criteria the donor has set, whether that’s financial need, background, or personal circumstances. But beyond ticking boxes, we’re looking for students who would genuinely benefit from that support, and whose journey reflects the spirit of what the donor wants to achieve. Sometimes it’s a student who’s overcome a challenge, or someone who’s the first in their family to go to university. Other times, it’s someone with a real passion for the subject the donor cares about."

Q: How does the scholarship team support students beyond the funding itself?

Claire: “Once a scholarship has been awarded, we’re here to support our students in many ways all the way through until they graduate. For international recipients, we are in regular contact throughout their visa process and travel to UEA which can often take months.

Once all students have arrived, we invite them to a scholarship drop-in session where we make sure students know we’re here to answer any questions about their funding, or if they need a bit of guidance navigating university life or helping them connect with the wellbeing team or academic services. We try to be a consistent point of contact from Day 1.

A couple of months into the start of their first term, the scholars are invited to a Scholarship Welcome event where they have the opportunity to meet each other in a more social setting and grow their community and networks. We also bring in guest speakers from key support areas that they may like to access in the future. "

"Throughout the year we try to make them feel like they are part of a community, whether that's through events, individual meet-ups or communications to their donors, we like to make sure they feel like they are a part of something bigger."

Q: What is it about your role that you find most rewarding?

Claire: “It might sound a bit corny, but honestly, the most rewarding part of this role is meeting each new cohort of scholarship recipients.

Throughout the year, I get to connect with them face to face where I hear, first-hand, how the scholarship has helped them and what they’re experiencing, even during the tougher moments.

What always stands out is the transformation. At our first meeting, some arrive with a hint of imposter syndrome, unsure if they really deserve this scholarship. But by the time we reach our spring event, they’re brimming with confidence. Watching that shift is genuinely special."

From the first donor conversation to the moment a student receives their award, UEA’s scholarships team ensures every gift goes further. We’re here to help students dream bigger, achieve more, and feel supported every step of the way.

Visit our website to learn more, and please reach out to the team to discuss how you can support this important cause.

Explore this year’s Scholarship Brochure and meet our scholars.