WVU International Studies Program

If you’re interested in applying for Fulbright, get in touch with WVU Aspire soon!

And last but not least in the INTS Graduate Spotlight is our Order of Augusta winner and INTS Outstanding Senior, Ella Holley! Ella is a double major in INTS and CRIM along with minors in Russian Studies and Military Science. Learn more about Ella below:

Proudest Accomplishment: Distinguished Military Graduate
Fav INTS Memory: Terrorism Class with Dr. Hauser
Whats Next: Army Active duty field artillery officer (soon to transition into military intelligence)
Advice: Dont be afraid to fail. Learn how to fail well, learn from it, and come back stronger.

Congrats Ella! We’re all so proud of you and your fellow 2026 INTS graduates!

Timothy Bonnell fills our next INTS Graduation Spotlight! He has a minor in POLS alongside his INTS major and has also served proudly in the Army National Guard while as a student at WVU. Get to know Tim below!

Your proudest accomplishment at WVU:
Sticking it out and finally receiving my Bachelor's Degree as a non-traditional student.

Your favorite memory from the International Studies program:
Being able to experience the local culture in Amman during my study abroad in Jordan.

What’s next for you after graduation:
I will be working as a security officer immediately after graduating, but I hope to hear back soon from one of my applications to work in intelligence or international security.

A piece of advice you’d give to future Mountaineers:
Your professors are there to help and teach you, so if you are struggling in their class, reach out to them sooner rather than later.

Congrats, Tim!

Our next INTS Graduate Spotlight is Sophia Lipscomb! Sophia is a double major in INTS and ECON with a minor in International Business. Get to know more about Sophia below!

Proudest moment: Being able to study abroad in Osaka, Japan in sophomore year for my INTS capstone. I had dreamed of going abroad for years, and my time in Osaka ended up being the most transformative experience of my entire life. I initially worried that I’d never be able to achieve this goal, but with the help of the office of global affairs I was able to plan and financially manage the perfect trip. It truly was everything I wanted it to be and more!

Favorite INTS memory: I loved meeting like-minded individuals when I first arrived to WVU. I also really enjoyed our trips to Washington DC where we got to network with alums and explore the city’s museums and even some government facilities.

What’s next for me: Post graduation, I’ll be working full time as a Credit Analyst at United Bank. I also hope to do some traveling, crafting, and gardening this Summer

Piece of advice: Take advantage of all the opportunities to travel that WVU will provide you! Whether it’s a semester in Japan, a week in France, or just a weekend trip to D.C., traveling through the university is a fantastic way to explore the world with an experienced support system to help you. Visiting new places and trying new things is the key to getting ahead and making life-long friendships!

Congrats, Sophia!!!