Fellowships
The Special Collections Research Center is introducing three new research fellowships for enrolled students. Read below for more information and to be directed to the application.
Bernhardt and Harper Families Fellowship
The Bernhardt and Harper Families Fellowship supports one student enrolled at Appalachian State University to conduct 15 hours of in-person research using the W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection at the University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center. Projects must incorporate the Bernhardt and Harper families papers into their research plan. Projects about the history of the lumber industry or early railroads in Watauga and Caldwell Counties will be given priority. The successful fellow will receive an award of $1,000 and submit a report reflecting on the findings of their research.
Applications for fellowships should include the following:
- Research Proposal: A brief narrative (no more than 1000 words) that describes your proposed research.
- Research Plan: A substantive preliminary list of W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection materials that you will consult during your research (projects must incorporate materials the Bernhardt and Harper families papers to be considered).
- A Curriculum vitae or resume.
- One confidential letter of recommendation.
- For graduate students, a letter from the Associate Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies confirming your current academic status.
- For undergraduate students, an official verification of enrollment through the National Student Clearinghouse (available via AppalNet).
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Merit of the proposal.
- Feasibility of the research plan.
- Applicant’s qualifications and potential to engage with collection materials thoughtfully and critically.
Submit application materials to Hannah Helmey at helmeyhm@appstate.edu by November 1, 2026. Decisions will be announced by January 15, 2027. Research should be conducted before June 30, 2027.
Senator James T. and Louise Broyhill Research Fellowship
The Senator James T. and Louise Broyhill Research Fellowship supports 3 student scholars to conduct 15 hours of in-person research using the W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection at the University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center. Project proposals must incorporate the James Thomas Broyhill Papers into their research plan. Successful fellows will receive an award of $1,000 and give a presentation reflecting on the findings of their research.
Applications for fellowships should include the following:
- Research Proposal: A brief narrative (no more than 1000 words) that describes your proposed research.
- Research Plan: A substantive preliminary list of Broyhill Collection materials that you will consult during your research. Contact spcoll@appstate.edu for assistance in identifying sources.
- A Curriculum vitae or resume.
One confidential letter of recommendation. - For graduate students, a letter from the Associate Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies confirming your current academic status.
- For undergraduate students, an official verification of enrollment through the National Student Clearinghouse (available via AppalNet).
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Merit of the proposal.
- Feasibility of the research plan.
- Applicant’s qualifications and potential to engage with collection materials thoughtfully and critically.
Submit application materials to Hannah Helmey at helmeyhm@appstate.edu by November 1, 2026. Decisions will be announced by January 15, 2027. Research should be conducted before June 30, 2027.
W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection Research Fellowship
The W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection Research Fellowship supports 3 student scholars to conduct 15 hours of in-person research using the W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection at the University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center. Project proposals may incorporate any archival collections or published materials from the Appalachian Collection into their research plan. Successful fellows will receive an award of $1,000 and give a presentation reflecting on the findings of their research. This fellowship is funded by the Anne Belk Distinguished Professorship Endowment and is open to all majors and disciplines.
Applications for fellowships should include the following:
- Research Proposal: A brief narrative (no more than 1000 words) that describes your proposed research.
- Research Plan: A substantive preliminary list of Appalachian Collection materials that you will consult during your research. Contact spcoll@appstate.edu for assistance in identifying sources.
- A Curriculum vitae or resume.
One confidential letter of recommendation. - For graduate students, a letter from the Associate Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies confirming your current academic status.
- For undergraduate students, an official verification of enrollment through the National Student Clearinghouse (available via AppalNet).
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Merit of the proposal.
- Feasibility of the research plan.
- Applicant’s qualifications and potential to engage with collection materials thoughtfully and critically.
Submit application materials to Hannah Helmey at helmeyhm@appstate.edu by November 1, 2026. Decisions will be announced by January 15, 2027. Research should be conducted before June 30, 2027.