Two RSU Students Tabbed as Brad Henry International Scholars

Two students from Rogers State University have been selected to study abroad at Swansea University in Wales as participants in the Brad Henry International Scholars program.

Cristen Burdell, a senior at RSU, will spend the fall semester in Wales. The Owasso, Okla., native is studying communication arts with a minor in English.

Burdell is a member of RSU’s Honors Program, has participated in student theatre, volunteered with the Bit by Bit Therapeutic Riding Program and served as president of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. She said she will take three courses at Swansea, including one that focuses on the works of Shakespeare, and is looking forward to travel opportunities while in Europe.

“I have always been interested in the United Kingdom. I love a lot of music that comes from there and my father was actually born there,” Burdell said.

Holly Jo Bates, a sophomore at RSU, will head to Wales in the Spring. From Chelsea, Okla., Bates is studying English literature at RSU and hopes to cover some Celtic literature while in England.

Bates is a member of the RSU President’s Leadership Class scholarship and the Honors Program. She said her excitement for the study abroad opportunity is fueled by previous travel experiences.

“I went on the London and Paris intersession trip last summer and that was great,” she said. “I also visited my brother in New Zealand last Christmas and did a two-week backpacking trip. Traveling really adds a lot to the college experience.”

The Brad Henry International Scholars were chosen by their institutions for the international study program that was established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in June 2008. The State Regents provide a $10,000 stipend for students selected to participate in semester-long study or research programs affiliated with Swansea University. Academic credit for these programs will be awarded by Oklahoma regional universities.