Texas State Students Awarded the Most Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Awards in the Nation

We are pleased to announce that seven Texas State students have received the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award in 2018 Session B. This brings the total number of 2018 awardees from Texas State to eleven—the most of any university!

  • Adeniji Adetayo – international Ph.D. student in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization  
  • McKenna Bristow – M.S. student in Population and Conservation Biology
  • Walter Furness – Ph.D. student in Geography
  • Megan Krou – Ph.D. student in Developmental Education
  • Shadi Maleki – international Ph.D. student in Geographic Information Science
  • Damilola Runsewe – international Ph.D. student in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization
  • Sara Weaver – Ph.D. student in Aquatic Resources
  • Upendra Bahadur Bom, Ph.D. student in Geography
  • Kevin P. Collins, Ph.D. student in Adult, Professional, and Community Education
  • Brittany M. Davis, Ph.D. student in Adult, Professional, and Community Education
  • Mahima Sajan Varghese, M.S. student in Engineering


This $500 award helps active Phi Kappa Phi members fund post-baccalaureate professional development pertaining to their graduate studies, ranging from costs associated with doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, and travel expenses for teaching, research and/or learning.

Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, external funding coordinator in The Graduate College, says that Texas State students have continued success in securing the Love of Learning Award. “This is the fourth year in a row that Texas State students have received this award. The Love of Learning Award is a great external funding opportunity because it can be used to fund many different activities and has a relatively straightforward application process.”

Dr. Hilkovitz also advises prospective applicants to utilize the resources on the Phi Kappa Phi website, such as the sample applications, as well as to request a funding consultation with her if needed for additional assistance. Applications for the 2019 awards will open on December 15 and are due June 30.

Congratulations to all on earning this award!