Two students awarded Fulbright, highlighting Centre's commitment to global opportunities

Two Centre College students have been named Fulbright U.S. Student Program English Teaching Assistants (ETA) for 2025, continuing the College’s impressive record with 14 awardees in the past five years. 

Phillip-Michael Collins ‘25 and Alli Barrows ‘25 will spend the next year teaching English in the West Bank and Germany, respectively. Both recent graduates have showcased a commitment to making their communities — and the world — a better place. 

 “Through their coursework, Alli and Phillip-Michael developed a strong academic understanding of the countries they chose to apply to,” said Robert Schalkoff, Director of Fellowships. “And in addition, they both have study abroad and study away experiences that align with those countries and with the ETA awards they received.” 

Alli Barrows

A change of interests spurred by Centre’s liberal arts curriculum shaped Barrows’ experience as a student as well as her path toward Fulbright. She originally planned to major in a STEM field, but at Centre, she found a passion for language and international relations. 

“Without having the ability and expectation to take courses across the various disciplines, I would not have ended up in an international studies course or studying German  —  both of which allowed for multiple opportunities to study abroad and apply for Fulbright Germany,” she said. 

Her selection as a Fulbright ETA also builds on her deep commitment to service and engagement. As a Bonner Leader, an opportunity focused on service, and a 2023 Gilman Scholar, focused on study abroad, she has consistently sought opportunities to connect learning with impact. She was also named to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Student Voting Honor Roll this year for her dedication to improving the number of students registered to vote.

Selection to be a Fulbright ETA is a fitting bookend to the transformation Barrows experienced at Centre after arriving on campus filled with doubt. 

“As a first-generation student, I began my time at Centre with the expectation to not finish,” she said. “A large portion of my experience was grounded in impostor syndrome. Being awarded a Fulbright Grant proved that despite the feelings of inadequacy, the hard work, time and commitment pay off.”

Phillip-Michael Collins

For Collins, participating in the Fulbright program in the West Bank is a capstone to what he’s learned at Centre as an International Studies and Religion double major with a Middle Eastern Studies minor. His study of Middle Eastern culture, combined with study abroad experiences in Ghana, Turkey and China, helped build a strong foundation for his Fulbright placement.

“I’ve had the opportunity to establish a deep understanding of global issues, especially those related to justice, conflict and cultural identity in the Middle East,” Collins said. “My courses allowed me to study the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict in depth while also exploring how I could contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding efforts.”

He plans to pursue a career in international public service and a master’s degree in diplomacy or public administration after completing the Fulbright program. Until then, this experience will be an opportunity to create change. 

 “For me, it's not just an award — it's an invitation to live out the values that have guided me since high school and become a representative of my American values abroad,” he said. “In the end, I hope my time as an ETA enhances my ability to establish peace and justice through policy.”

Students interested in exploring the world of fellowships are encouraged to contact Robert Schalkoff at fellowships@centre.edu.