July 10, 2012
For Immediate Release
By Natasha Janes, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Two Campbellsville University students, Margaret Blaire Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., and Cameron Campbell of Columbia, have received a grant from the National Science Foundation presented by the Appalachian College Association.
The scholarships offered consist of $6,000 per academic year per student studying the Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, also known as STEM, majors.
Bland, a senior, is studying biology, and Campbell, a senior, is studying chemistry.
Dr. Richie Kessler, associate professor of biology and environmental studies program coordinator, said, “I have had Blaire Bland as a student and she was also my Freshmen Year Experience mentor for freshmen science majors. Blaire has been a delight to work with in both capacities. She is a very mature and conscientious student and works well with her faculty and fellow students. Blaire also served as president of our national science honor society, Sigma Zeta, last year.”
Campbell's adviser, Dr. Chris Mullins, assistant professor of chemistry, said even though Campbell hopes to attend medical school after graduation, Mullins “secretly hopes he will keep a career in chemistry as an option.”
Campbell was also selected to participate in this summer's first Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, in the area of chemistry and structural biology at the University of Louisville.
To be eligible, the students must be a full-time student of sophomore, junior or senior status at the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year, must qualify for federal financial aid, must have a declared major in a natural science, technology, engineering or mathematics and also must have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.
The students had to complete an application that consisted of a completed online application, a 500-word narrative describing their career ambitions, commitment to the Appalachian region and the potential benefits to Appalachia of their degree choice.
Students also had to provide transcripts, two letters of endorsement from faculty members in their discipline, a letter from the financial aid director stating the student's financial need and a letter of endorsement from the chief academic officer.
Blair is a 2010 graduate of Taylor County High School and attends Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She is the daughter of Edwin Bland and Ann Mattingly, both of Campbellsville.
Campbell is the son of John and Shirley Campbell of 2752 Russell Springs Road, Columbia. He is a 2009 graduate of Adair County High School and attends 3trees Church in Russell Springs, Ky.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.