Recent VCU Graduate Named Fulbright Scholar

By Tom Gresham

Jessica Langley, who received her master of fine arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in May, has earned a Fulbright Student Scholarship to study and pursue her artistic interests in Iceland.

Langley, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, will travel to Iceland for the upcoming academic year to study the country's landscape, particularly its natural formations, and to create art inspired by her surroundings. Langley, who received her M.F.A. in painting and printmaking from the VCU School of the Arts, will study the contemporary concept of landscape and nature in Iceland and how it impacts Icelandic art.

Upon her return to the United States, Langley hopes to increase the exchange between Icelandic artists and American artists.

"VCU is excited to have another Fulbright Student Scholarship recipient this year," said Jeff Wing, national scholarship coordinator in the Honors College at VCU. "Jessica has a real passion for the art that develops from natural landscape formations. This experience will be very meaningful for her."

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.

Langley is the fourth VCU student to receive a Fulbright Scholarship in the past three years.

In addition to receiving the Fulbright Scholarship, Langley received a Leifur Eriksson Scholarship, which will supplement her studies in Iceland. The Leifur Eiríksson Foundation, governed by a board of trustees appointed by the Central Bank of Iceland, the Icelandic Government and the University of Virginia, was founded to fund scholarly exchanges between Iceland and the United States.