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Jacksonville State University Sophomore Jamal Henderson Awarded Prestigious Gilman Scholarship to Study Abroad in Spain

Jamal Henderson Becomes Jax State’s Second Gilman Scholarship Recipient
Photo Courtesy of JSU

Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, Jacksonville State University sophomore Jamal Henderson has been named a 2024-2025 recipient of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a U.S. Department of State initiative. Henderson, a 20-year-old social work major from Miami, Florida, will spend the summer living and studying in Spain, marking a milestone achievement in his academic journey.

“This is such a renowned thing and such an honor to be considered,” Henderson said. “It took a lot of hard work and guidance to get me there.”

Henderson is the second JSU student to receive the Gilman Scholarship in two years. Last summer, Cara Archer became the university’s first recipient, studying abroad in South Korea.

Currently residing at JSU’s International House, Henderson credited the program’s director, Ingrid Galinat, for her guidance throughout the rigorous application process. “She really helped boost my confidence because she’d worked with someone who’d also won,” Henderson shared. “The application process was very demanding … so many essays that I started working months in advance. I’d never have been able to do it without all the help I got from the International House.”

Henderson learned of his selection over winter break, a period he described as both stressful and rewarding. “December was a huge month for me,” he said. “I was applying for the Gilman Scholarship and a Resident Assistant position at the International House. When I got the email about the scholarship, I was too nervous to open it at first. It took like 20 seconds to load, and when I finally saw it, I was ecstatic.”

This summer, Henderson will live with a host family in Spain, immersing himself in the country’s diverse culture and environment. Having studied Spanish, he saw Spain as an ideal destination for his study abroad experience. “Spain just made more sense,” he said. “It’s so diverse compared to other places, and I love the environment. I’m excited to interact with a variety of cultures and see more than just the tourist side of a country.”

Although Henderson has traveled extensively on cruises through his mother’s work with Royal Caribbean and Carnival, this will be his first extended stay in another country and his first international trip by plane. “The first time I was ever in a plane was when I went skydiving, so that was just jumping out,” he laughed. “I’ve never actually flown anywhere … for any length of time. I’m also the first one in my family to own a passport.”

Henderson anticipates the experience will have a profound impact on his personal and professional growth. “I think this will accelerate my maturity,” he said. “It will be the next step of my growth and help me realize who I am as a person.”

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides financial support to students of limited means, enabling them to study or intern abroad and develop skills critical to national security and economic prosperity. Recipients must be Pell Grant recipients at the time of application or during their study abroad program.

As Henderson prepares for this life-changing opportunity, his story serves as a testament to the value of persistence, mentorship, and the transformative power of global education.

 

Jamal Henderson Becomes Jax State’s Second Gilman Scholarship Recipient

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