Introduction to the Carmen R. Gillespie Fellowship

The Carmen R. Gillespie Fellowship is a prestigious award that seeks to nurture the interest of a James Madison University (JMU) student in Black Literature and Culture. This fellowship is named in honor of the late scholar, poet, and professor Dr. Carmen R. Gillespie, who was a double Duke, having received her bachelor's and master's degrees from JMU.

Purpose

The purpose of the Carmen R. Gillespie Fellowship is to provide mentorship and experience in literary arts administration with Furious Flower to a JMU student. The fellowship aims to honor Dr. Gillespie's commitment to educating others about Black poetry and culture.

Fellow Responsibilities

During the tenure of their fellowship, students will:

• Spend 6 hours per week at the center
• Develop and execute/contribute to a project related to Black Poetry
• Assist in hosting Furious Flower events
• Serve as a liaison between the center and the campus community

Award

The Carmen R. Gillespie Fellowship in Black Poetry and Culture awards $1500 for a semester-long fellowship, which is renewable once for a total of $3000.

Eligibility

The Carmen R. Gillespie Fellowship is open to James Madison University students in good academic standing. Students must have a demonstrable interest in Black literature/culture and may not have been a fellowship recipient in the three years prior.

Application Process

Applicants for the fellowship will submit the following:

• Completed application form, including a short description of their prior engagement with Furious Flower
• One letter of reference
• Unofficial transcript
• A statement of purpose explaining their interest in the fellowship, how it will benefit them, and a proposal for a project they'd like to accomplish during their tenure Selected finalists will be invited for interviews.

Application Timeline

Applications are open from June 1st to June 30th of each year, and the Fellow(s) will be announced by mid-August.

Past Fellows

The following students have been awarded the Carmen R. Gillespie Fellowship:

• Marisa Perkins (2024)
• Taylor Naufflett
• India Williams
• Lily Craig (2022)
• Jordanne Alexander (2021)

Each of these fellows has worked on unique projects related to Black poetry and culture, including documenting the student experience, developing poetry workshops, creating spaces for Black poets to share their work, and designing educational units on Black poetry.

James Madison University

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Overview:

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and beautiful campus.

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Services Offered:

JMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, career planning services, tutoring, and academic advising.

Student Life:

Housing, dining, clubs and organizations, recreational activities, and student government.

Health and Wellness:

Campus health center, counseling services, and wellness programs.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

JMU boasts a vibrant and active student body with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

Living on Campus:

A variety of residence halls and apartment-style living options.

Clubs and Organizations:

Over 300 student organizations catering to diverse interests.

Spirit and Traditions:

Strong school spirit with numerous sporting events, concerts, and other campus traditions.

Harrisonburg:

A charming town with a thriving arts and culture scene, offering opportunities for exploration and entertainment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

JMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, education, and the arts.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively and engaging campus environment with numerous opportunities for student involvement and personal growth.

Beautiful Campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.

Affordable Education:

JMU offers a relatively affordable education compared to other universities.

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Academic Programs:

JMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

A diverse selection of majors across various disciplines, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, nursing, and public administration.

Research Opportunities:

Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research projects with faculty mentors.

Study Abroad:

Programs to study abroad in various countries around the world.