Zachary German, a Lee University graduate, is the recipient of the 2012 Robert W. Sledge Fellowship, a competitive grant presented by the Alpha Chi National Honors Society.
Mr. German, a native of Brooks, Ky., plans to attend the University of Notre Dame this fall to pursue a doctorate in political science. With his acceptance, he received a full tuition remission from the university valued at $200,000 for five years. He was also awarded a stipend from the Earhart Foundation and the American Political Thought journal. In his doctoral program, Mr. German plans to emphasize in constitutional studies and political theory.
Assistant Professor of Political Science and Alpha Chi faculty sponsor Dr. Thomas Pope said, “Zack was a superb addition to Lee's Political Science program and will no doubt continue in excellent scholarship at Notre Dame. His passion for his faith and his studies make him a perfect representative of the kind of student that Lee wants to offer for national recognition.”
While at Lee, Mr. German was a member of national honors societies Alpha Chi and Pi Sigma Alpha. He was also honored with Lee’s political science and philosophy awards, given to a graduating senior from each program.
“Zack is one of the finest students I’ve taught, and certainly one of the finest students Lee has produced,” added Assistant Professor of English and Alpha Chi faculty sponsor Dr. Jeff Ringer. “He excelled as a political science major and as a tutor in the writing center. I was elated—but not at all surprised—when I heard that Zack had won the Sledge Fellowship.”
The Sledge Fellowship is named for Dr. Robert Sledge, who served on the National Council 24 years, 1973-87 and 1989-99, 12 of those as president. He also is author of the history of Alpha Chi’s first 75 years.