Southeastern student named Brad Henry International Scholar
by SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC INFORMATION
February 5, 2009
Chancellor Glen D. Johnson, Keith Watkins and Gov. Brad Henry share a visit.
DURANT, Okla. -- Keith Watkins of Southeastern Oklahoma State University has been named a Brad Henry International Scholar and selected to participate in an international study and internship in Wales.
Watkins is a senior history major and political science minor from Lone Grove. His goal is to pursue a career in public service.
"This will probably set the pace for the rest of my life," Watkins said. "It's a huge opportunity that I'm going to take full advantage of."
Watkins is one of seven students from Oklahoma's regional universities who have been designated Brad Henry International Scholars.
"This a tremendous honor for both Keith and the University," said Southeastern president Michael D. Turner. "It is indicative of the quality of students that we attract to Southeastern. This will obviously be a great learning opportunity for all of these students and we are proud to be a part of this outstanding program. Gov. Henry and the State Regents are to be commended for establishing this internship."
The international study program 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.
"Academic talent, character and leadership are what makes these students stand out from others," said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. "In today's workplace, graduates need to understand the importance of competing in a global economy, and this program will allow these students to experience it firsthand."
Watkins is serving his internship this semester and will graduate from Southeastern in Fall 2009. At Southeastern, he is a member of the Honors Program, president of the Young Democrats, and was a student worker in the Social Sciences office. He credits history, speech and debate as the subjects that have guided him to this point.