Lee Holmes, an international studies major from Tullahoma is one of 10 University of Mississippi students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program.

Boren scholars study languages that are of crucial importance to the U.S. government and plan to work in positions vital to national security. Recipients will immerse themselves in the cultures of regions underrepresented in study abroad, such as Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.

“These awards are a testament to these students’ intellectual curiosity and commitment to the United States government,” said Vivian Ibrahim, director of the UM Office of National Scholarship Advisement.

With plans to apply to the Consular Fellows Program and Peace Corps upon return, Holmes will study Arabic in Morocco. The senior will apply for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award this summer and hopes the Boren experience will prepare them for this. Holmes is enrolled in UM’s Arabic Language Flagship Program.

The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state’s flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action. Recognized among the nation’s most beautiful, Ole Miss’ main campus is in Oxford, which is routinely acknowledged as one of the country’s best college towns.