Recent Auburn graduate awarded Fulbright to teach in Germany

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Carson Williford, a fall 2016 Auburn University graduate with a degree in English literature and philosophy and a minor in German, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Germany.

A native of Auburn, Alabama, Williford graduated with a near-perfect 3.97 grade-point average as a member of the Honors College and the College of Liberal Arts. During the spring and summer of 2016 he conducted undergraduate research under the direction of Diana Eidson, assistant professor in the Department of English. Williford's research explored sustainable agricultural practices in Alabama and was titled "New Alabama Farmer: Sustainable Agriculture on Alabama's Small Farms." In addition, Williford completed an honors thesis in creative nonfiction and another in philosophy. He currently serves as program assistant for the Alabama Bicentennial Commission in Montgomery.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to work as a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Germany," said Williford. "Some of my favorite professors have made this possible. I want to thank Dr. Keren Gorodeisky in the Department of Philosophy, professor Diana Eidson in the Department of English and the late Professor Tom Nadar in the Department of German. These faculty have shaped my time in college, and their support and guidance makes this opportunity more meaningful."

In addition to his undergraduate research, Williford served as assistant editor for Southern Humanities Review and was the co-creator and director of "Student University," a student forum to present ideas and global innovation. He worked as a tutor with the Pine Hills Literacy Program and as a lead consultant with the Miller Writing Center. In the summer of 2014 he was selected for the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Nottingham Trent University Summer Fellowship.

"We are excited for Carson," said Melissa Baumann, assistant provost and director of the Honors College. "The Fulbright program acknowledges Carson's hard work as a well-rounded, globally engaged student, and we wish him the greatest success in the coming year."

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential.

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