Rutgers University–Camden Hosts the Regional Meeting of the National Association of Fellowship Advisors

Fellowship advisors from more than 20 colleges and universities across the Mid-Atlantic gathered on the campus of Rutgers University–Camden this week for the regional meeting of the National Association of Fellowship Advisors(NAFA).

After welcoming remarks by Marsha Lowery, the vice chancellor for student academic success at Rutgers–Camden, the conference featured panel discussions on student development, maximizing resources, and leveraging data, presented by a diverse group of college and university representatives, including individuals from Temple University, Haverford College, and the University of Delaware.

The day's final session was a panel on competitive scholarships and the weight an institutional endorsement carries in the overall application process. Representatives from the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the Boren Awards, and the Schwartzman Scholars offered insight and guidance on supporting and championing students interested in these types of scholarships.

Laura Collins, founding director of the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising (OSDFA) at Rutgers–Camden, was integral to bringing the NAFA regional meeting to campus.

“Events like this support our professional growth and our ability to contribute to student success,” Collins said. “Sharing ideas and best practices sets a positive example for our students and helps their pursuit of opportunities to learn and grow."

NAFA is a professional organization for individuals advising college and university students who apply for competitive scholarships and fellowships, as well as the foundations and organizations that administer them. Members seek to promote educational, ethical, and equitable practices as the standard for scholarships and fellowship opportunities.