Strong Receives Research Scholarship from University of Chicago

Strong will continue in her history studies in graduate school

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University senior Kara Strong has received a substantial research scholarship to continue her history studies in graduate school at the University of Chicago.

Strong, a history education major from Kendallville, Indiana, will also have the opportunity to apply for the University of Chicago’s Dean’s List Scholarship.

Strong credits her time at HU as being instrumental in her development to set her up for success in her next steps in academia.

“I was rather reserved when arriving at HU, and through the extensive courseload undertaken, I not only found my academic voice, but broadened my perspectives and sharpened my analytical skills, research and writing,” Strong said.

Upon encouragement from the Department of History, Strong had the opportunity to study abroad in Oxford, England, during her junior year where she undertook tutorials from professors at the University of Oxford.

That departmental support extended to Strong’s decision to pursue her graduate studies. Strong is grateful for Drs. Dwight Brautigam, Timothy Smith and Jeffrey Webb for the influence they have had on her journey.

Strong was a recipient of the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize in 2025, given to outstanding students in the department’s upper-level, research- and writing-intensive courses.

“Kara has seized every opportunity with swashbuckling elan, both in classroom discussions and written assignments, during her time at HU,” Smith said. “She has fully invested in her education, and Kara’s admittance to the University of Chicago, along with the significant scholarship award, is no less than she deserves. This is just the beginning. Kara has a lot of potential, and the history department eagerly anticipates hearing about her future successful endeavors.”