Kylie Dent, a senior at Rogers State University, has been selected to study abroad at Swansea University in Wales as part of the Brad Henry International Scholars program.
Dent, a member of RSU’s Honors Program, will spend the fall semester in Wales. The Pryor, Okla., native is studying Medical/Molecular Biology and plans to pursue a graduate degree after completing her bachelor’s.
She also is a member of the RSU Cheer team that won seventh place at the National Cheerleader Association’s College National Competition last April in Daytona Beach, Florida. The cheer squad, including Dent, recently secured a gold bid at NCA College Cheer camp to ensure a return trip to nationals in 2013.
This is not Dent’s first study abroad experience. She participated in a two-week intersession course with Dr. James Ford last spring when she visited Scotland and Ireland. Dent credits that experience as her motivation to apply for the Brad Henry International Scholars program.
“Last spring was so much fun, but we didn’t have to worry about anything because we could always follow Dr. Ford’s lead,” Dent said. “This time I’ll be on my own, which is scary but very exciting.”
The timing of the trip means that Dent’s graduation will be postponed to Fall 2013, rather than this May. She said that was a minor consideration when weighing the opportunity.
“I spoke with someone who was a scholar a few years ago and she said it was her favorite college experience. This is an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” Dent said.
The Brad Henry International Scholars are 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.