Three George Washington University students have been selected to join the 2024-2025 Presidential Fellowship cohort, enabling them to pursue a graduate degree with full tuition coverage for two years while gaining professional development experience.
The Presidential Fellowship, founded in 1989, is an important, long-standing program at GW that supports graduate students. In 2023, GW refreshed the Presidential Fellowship by bringing it under the administration of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, and named Autumn Anthony as program director.
Anthony said the fellowship plays a crucial role in fostering academic excellence among GW alumni and is a vital part of GW’s mission to cultivate future leaders.
“This is an amazing opportunity for students, and I’ve seen that this program does have a meaningful impact on their lives,” Anthony said. “I feel privileged to work with students across different goals that they have for themselves, aspirations that they have as students, knowing that they'll be able to accomplish them that much easier with this level of support.”
The refreshed program includes some changes to greater benefit the fellows. In addition to full tuition coverage for two years, recipients receive a total of $35,000 in stipend and salary payments each academic year of the program.
Fellows serve in offices throughout the university that often complement their graduate degree or professional goals. As part of the program’s refresh, there will be a path for Presidential Fellows to work with GW leadership offices such as the president and provost.
Meet the fellows
Nina Balandina, M.A.’24, said she was full of gratitude and excitement when she got the news she was selected to join the cohort.
“I was so happy when I found out I was chosen for the program. I was crying because I couldn't believe it,” Balandina said. “I know the fellowship is extremely competitive. During my interview, I spoke about my research and career goals so now I feel like the committee believed in me and my dreams. I feel so much more confident that I can be a person who makes change in the world.”
Balandina is pursuing a doctoral degree in comparative and international education. She will also gain hands-on experience working in the Office for Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and the International Services Office.
“It’s the perfect place for me because it relates to what I’m studying, and I’ll be able to apply my research and what I learn into practice,” Balandina said.
She said the Presidential Fellows program exemplifies what makes the GW community so special, adding that she’s always found supportive and friendly faces on campus.
Balandina, who is from Russia, said as an international student, this aspect of GW’s culture helped her feel more at home.
“I never felt like a stranger on campus,” Balandina said. “I love how inclusive GW is, how it appreciates all students, their backgrounds, their unique cultural features. I love how GW tries to help students improve and find bright futures.”
Jack Hatcher, B.S.’24, is pursuing his master’s in civil and environmental engineering. He said his goal is to combine his background in engineering with humanitarian work to make a positive impact on the world.
Hatcher will work in the Office of the President during his fellowship. One of his main goals in his role will be to foster a stronger connection between the administration and the student body.
“I’m hoping to overall just do my part to help create a community of collaboration here at GW,” Hatcher said.
Hatcher said one of his favorite things about GW is the culture of volunteering that’s celebrated throughout campus. He often volunteered with the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Service and Public Engagement.
“Working at the Nashman Center was one of the biggest highlights of my undergraduate experience,” Hatcher said. “Being able to work within the D.C. community and help was truly amazing. If I can make one person a little bit happier, that’s great. And through that experience, I got to meet different people, hear their stories and learn from them.”
Markella Lanara, B.A.’24, is studying for her master’s in mental health counseling. Being selected as a fellow, she said, will bring her one step closer to working in a career she’s passionate about.
“Counseling is all about helping people overcome mental struggles, but also just be the best version of themselves and thrive in life,” Lanara said. “I'm a firm believer that everyone deserves an opportunity to live the best life they can. It is my passion to help people and listen to their goals. I'm pursuing this field with the hope that I will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in other people's lives and just make the world a better place.”
During the fellowship, she will work in the Office of the Provost.
"I’m eager to learn more about how the university operates behind the scenes,” Lanara said. “While I know the student experience, I’m excited to get involved and connect with GW employees. I hope to find my voice as an ambassador for the student body and help create a better environment for all students."
