Q&A with Baylor Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute Participant Tim Campbell

August 3, 2015
Tim Campbell

Tim Campbell courtesy photo.

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WACO, Texas (Aug. 3, 2015) – Baylor University junior Tim Campbell of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, was honored recently as one of 10 students nationwide selected to attend the prestigious Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute. Campbell, who is studying political science and religion as a University Scholar at Baylor, is completing the Honors Program and serves on the editorial board of The Pulse, Baylor’s undergraduate academic journal.
Baylor Media Communications conducted a Q&A with Campbell about attending the Institute:
How did you find out that you had been selected for the Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute and what was your reaction?
Tim Campbell: After completing a phone interview, I received an e-mail from the Fulbright Commission that confirmed that I had been accepted to the program. I was understandably excited, and after I calmed down a bit, one of the first things I did was call my parents to tell them the news.
Why did you decide to apply for the Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute?
Tim Campbell: There were a couple of factors that went into my decision. First, I was looking for an international experience, and this program seemed like the perfect fit. I had never been to the U.K. before, and I thought this would serve as a great introduction to what life is like across the pond. Second, I wanted a program that would help make me a competitive applicant for future graduate school scholarships and fellowships. Finally, I was looking for an opportunity to study in a group alongside talented and motivated students. The Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute satisfied all of these conditions, and I'm very glad I decided to apply!
What will you do during the Institute?
Tim Campbell: The Institute is a five-week program that is split into two parts. Our group will spend the first half of the program at the University of Dundee, which is situated about an hour north of Edinburgh. During our time there, we will attend numerous lectures and presentations by experts in fields ranging from English literature to the life sciences. We will also take day trips to significant sites and events, including Glamis Castle, the Scottish Parliament and even the British Open. We'll then spend the second half of the program at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where we will learn more about Scotland's identity, culture and innovation.
Why did you decide to come to Baylor for your undergraduate study?
Tim Campbell: Probably the biggest factor that made Baylor unique among the universities to which I applied was that Baylor gave me the chance to design my own major as a member of the University Scholars program. I've used this opportunity to combine my interests in philosophy and political science into a single program of study, which has been fascinating and immensely rewarding.
What are your plans after Baylor and the Institute?
Tim Campbell: Before I graduate from Baylor, I hope to spend a semester at the University of Oxford studying political theory, British philosophy and religion. After graduation, I hope to attend either graduate school or law school, or maybe both.
Who are some of the Baylor faculty members who helped you in your major?
Tim Campbell: I am forever indebted to Dr. Todd Buras, whom I've known both as a professor and as the Faculty Master of the Honors Residential College. I'm equally indebted to my adviser, Dr. Jennifer Good, and to Dr. Kirsten Escobar and Dean Elizabeth Vardaman in the Office of National and International Scholarships, who both worked diligently to help me get accepted to this program.
Todd Buras, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy: Tim Campbell is very deserving of the honor of being selected for the Fulbright-Scotland Summer Program. He is an extraordinarily serious and capable student. I have no doubt that he will make the most of this immersive academic opportunity and be a great ambassador for Baylor.
Jennifer Good, Ph.D., associate professor of German and associate director of the University Scholars Program in the Honors College: “University Scholars major Tim Campbell is intellectually curious and highly motivated; both these attributes were needed in order to be among the very few U.S. students to be selected for this prestigious Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute. The chance to explore and learn from leaders in the field about Scotland’s culture, heritage, history and Scotland today is unique and is a perfect fit for Tim. His interests in history, philosophy, religion and political science all intersect in the culture of a country such as Scotland. The immersion experience and the intellectual challenge of the Fulbright are integral parts of the academic experience. He will deepen his thinking and be able to think beyond disciplinary and geographical borders. I expect that Tim will continue to accomplish great things here at Baylor and after he graduates.”
Kirsten Escobar, Ph.D., scholarship adviser in the office of National and International Scholarships: “I met Tim his first semester at Baylor, and I knew immediately he would pursue excellence in his studies. His earnestness, vitality and intellectual curiosity are refreshing. I encouraged him to apply for Ampersand Society, a highly selective community of learners in the College of Arts & Sciences, and he has been a rich addition to our organization for almost two years. Tim wants a rich, dynamic undergraduate experience, and I am delighted to say that I have observed him pursue such an education at Baylor diligently and with good humor.
by Spencer Cutright, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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