TCU has a history of producing outstanding students who have gone on to win prestigious scholarships like the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman and Goldwater. But as the number and quality of TCU students continues to increase, a greater number of students are eligible for and interested in these highly competitive awards.
Recently, TCU announced a new staff position that would focus on assisting students in building competitive applications and offering resources to prepare them to apply for nationally ranked scholarships. Tracy Rundstrom was named the university鈥檚 first full-time director of nationally competitive scholarships. While the role is housed in the John V. Roach Honors College, this new position will serve the entire student body.
鈥淭his is a new and much-needed program. TCU has such high-caliber students who are capable of getting these awards,鈥� Rundstrom said. 鈥淢y role will be to shepherd them through the process. Our students deserve this level of attention, care and nurturing that will allow them to be competitive.鈥�
The program will also help solidify TCU鈥檚 reputation as an academic leader.
Building on TCU鈥檚 track record of winning these awards 鈥渨ill bring more great students to TCU,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he more top-notch students are drawn to TCU, the more opportunity there will be for having more award winners.鈥�
Rundstrom also noted that other universities are adding similar programs and positions, and it is necessary to stay competitive.
Having a formal program will not only provide visibility for students to better understand what resources are available to them, it also will help them understand eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Timing is very important in the application process, Rundstrom said, adding that she wants students to strategically plan, starting early in their college career.
Currently, she is spreading the word about the program among faculty and staff who may know a stellar student who might be an ideal candidate.
鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing more exciting for a student than to be considered a scholar,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 welcome being invited to connect with those students!鈥�
In addition to guiding current applicants through the process, Rundstrom is working on materials and tools to build interest in award opportunities. Among these are social media campaigns, videos and workshops.
鈥淪ome of what I want to provide are basics, like a 鈥楩ulbright & Fellowships 101,鈥� just to let students know what these awards are,鈥� she said. 鈥淪tudents tell me they鈥檙e really eager to learn more.鈥�
Getting high-caliber students started on this path is the best part of her job, she said.
鈥淚 love helping students think about where they are on their learning journey and where they want to go next.鈥�
TCU students interested in applying for a nationally competitive scholarship, may contact Rundstrom directly.