In the spirit of “one university,” we are delighted to announce that beginning July 1, Dr. Laura Cotten Howell transitioned to a joint appointment with Career Services and the University Honors Program. Her new title is Director of Fellowships and Graduate School Advising. She works 80% with Career Services, focusing on helping students apply to nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, in addition to graduate school. In the remaining 20% of her role, Dr. Cotten Howell continues to work with the Honors Program to manage the DC Flyers program.
Dr. Cotten Howell joined the University Honors Program in 2012 where she has led the Office of Fellowship Advising supporting all UD students on graduate school and nationally competitive fellowship applications. She also directs the DC Flyers Program, a high impact internship opportunity through Honors. Although housed in the University Honors Program for the past 13 years, she has served all UD students.
“The impact of Dr. Cotten Howell’s work with students cannot be overstated; she has changed students' lives for the better in helping students articulate their goals and vocation, reflect on their achievements, and present their best selves. Partnering with Career Services will enhance the visibility of her work with all students,” notes UHP Executive Director Leslie Picca. Career Services Executive Director Jason Eckert commented that, “I’m excited to collaborate more closely with Dr. Cotten Howell and to work with her to continue to spread student awareness regarding prestigious fellowships and the opportunities offered by graduate and professional schools.”
2024 Fulbright recipient Anh Pham stated, “I cannot express how grateful I am to Dr. Laura Cotten Howell for her mentorship and support during my fellowship application process. Her dedication to ensuring I submitted the best application possible through multiple essay draft reviews, committee evaluations, and mock interviews played a vital role in helping me to earn my Fulbright ETA grant upon graduating from UD. Her patience in answering all of my questions during the process, coupled with the genuine care she showed, speaks volumes to the kind and compassionate person that she is. Dr. Cotten Howell has been such a guiding light for many students during her time at UD - and I am so lucky to have been one of them.”
Dr. Cotten Howell is located in Career Services at 212 Alumni House, with standing office hours in Honors on Wednesdays.