Savannah Sandage named a Fulbright U.S. Student Fellow
by June 17, 2025 10:15 am 231 views
Arkansas State University alumna Savannah Sandage, a Batesville native and recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s degree in world languages and cultures, has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Student Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year.
Sandage will move to Jerusalem where she will pursue a master’s degree in archaeology and the ancient near east at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The program will run from October 2025 to August 2026.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “It’s rare to have this kind of support for immersive study and research abroad. I’m especially looking forward to living in Jerusalem and being surrounded by the historical and cultural context of what I’m studying.”
She was fascinated by the area for several reasons.
“I’ve always been passionate about ancient cultures and languages, and Fulbright presented a unique opportunity to combine that interest with field research and graduate study abroad,” Sandage said. “I was especially drawn to Fulbright’s emphasis on cross-cultural connection and its long-standing presence in the Middle East.”
Her journey to be a Fulbright scholar began over a year ago while she was working on her honors thesis and planning her post-graduate plans.
“My thesis explores how religious mythology in ancient Mesopotamia shaped economic structures and political authority,” Sandage said. “When I began researching the programs Fulbright had to offer, I discovered the archaeology program, and it felt like a perfect transition.”
The spring 2025 graduate credits A-State for helping build a strong foundation to become a Fulbright scholar through information sessions, writing workshops, and discussions with former scholars about their experiences.
Following her master’s program, Sandage has her eyes set on a career in public service and a passion to help others.
“I’m exploring several paths — potentially working as a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department, joining the military as a JAG officer with a focus on international law, or working with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) on anti-human trafficking efforts and migration policy,” she said. “I want to stay engaged in legal work that supports vulnerable populations across borders.”