By: Communications
The University of East Anglia (UEA) have launched the Karen Jones Scholarship in American Studies to support undergraduate students during their year studying in the USA, thanks to a generous gift from Dame Karen Jones DBE, Chancellor of UEA.
Future applicants to the four-year BA American Studies with a Year Abroad courses will be eligible to apply for a £5,000 award in the form of travel bursary, to help with the cost of their studies in America during the third year of their degree.
Dame Karen Jones is a successful entrepreneur and non-executive, with wide-ranging experience in the food, retail and leisure markets. During her career, Karen has built a number of businesses, including co-founding Café Rouge and The Pelican Group. She was made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2022 for her extensive involvement helping the Government to understand and support the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Karen Jones Scholarship will provide one bursary every year for the next five years to an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional academic potential, but who might otherwise struggle to finance a year abroad education. The first bursary will be awarded to a student starting their studies in October 2023.
David Ellis, Director of Development at UEA, said:
“We are exceedingly grateful to Dame Karen – she is both a leader and champion for our students, faculty and our broader community. This generous gift builds on the generosity that she has shown to our University in recent years as our Chancellor.”
UEA is currently ranked the most socially inclusive university in the top 30 in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 UK rankings, and since 2009 has supported over 700 students with donor funded scholarships.
Dame Karen Jones, who studied English and American Literature at UEA from 1975 – 1979, was appointed the University’s Chancellor in 2016 and has been a strong influence on the cultivation of enterprise and entrepreneurship within the University ever since.
When asked about why she felt strongly about giving to UEA and its students, she said:
“I loved my time at UEA studying English and American Studies – and benefitted greatly from my year at Wellesley College, Massachusetts as part of that time. I would very much like to help other students to benefit in the same way. It is a pleasure to give back something to my alma mater”.
Students on the UEA American Studies courses explore the rich culture and history of the United States, getting to grips with every aspect of the country – from landmark events to political decisions, its position as a global leader, its literature, history and more. A key component of the course is the year abroad, where students can gain first-hand experience of life Stateside and further their knowledge of the key issues that shape our world today.
Dr Rachael McLennan, Head of School for Art, Media and American Studies said:
“Studying American culture at this fascinating moment in time is more essential than ever. And a generous donation such as this will help to remove economic barriers that will enable students to experience an interdisciplinary degree that opens doors to a wide range of sectors.”
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