Fellowship Program
Our Fellowship Program
West Nottingham Academy’s College Graduate Fellowship Program offers a recent college graduate interested in pursuing a career or advanced degree in education and/or sustainability the opportunity to engage with students and curriculum in the classroom and with athletics, student life, and extracurriculars beyond the classroom. WNA Fellowships offer college graduates valuable opportunities to work with experienced mentors to learn best practices and sound strategies for education and student engagement, to undertake independent responsibilities teaching and leading students, and to experience all facets of campus life and work. Fellows receive a stipend with health insurance benefits as well as campus housing and full dining hall services. WNA Fellows are highly valued members of our learning community, and we are always proud of the work they go on to do in the world.
Mike Cairns Environmental Sustainability Fellow
The Mike Cairns Environmental Sustainability Fellow supports the director of sustainability programs and curriculum by leading SEC and guiding the West Nottingham community in projects that have a positive ecological impact. Mike Cairns, for whom the fellowship is named, graduated from West Nottingham in 1980. He passed away in December 2016 from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Mike was an exceptional student and now is part of a legacy of conservation that will have an impact on the West Nottingham community and beyond. A statement from brother Dave Cairns, father Ed Cairns, and sister Judge Jane Cairns Murray reads, “We are touched and flattered by the Kilby family’s donation to West Nottingham Academy in memory of Mike, as well as in memory of our mother and in honor of our father. Mike was the valedictorian at his graduation from WNA, and the education that he received there enabled him to be accepted at top engineering schools in the country.”
Hear from our past fellows:
“Accepting a fellowship position at West Nottingham Academy was probably the best decision I could have made coming out of college. I was able to gain hands-on experience in various aspects including Student Life, Athletics, Admissions, and Dorm Life. In addition, the position provided me the opportunity to make valuable connections with students and fellow faculty.
-Jordan Collins, Fellow Graduate of 2021
“WNA has provided a fantastic environment in which I have been able to gain experience, make incredible friendships, and learn so much about myself, the field, and career I would like to have. Daily, I have the opportunity to converse with students about important concepts, inspire a passion for the environment, and influence the leaders of the future, both in and out of the classroom.”
-Karl Melchior, Fellow Graduate of 2021