JMU senior earns prestigious Rangel Fellowship

James Madison University senior Isabella “Bella” Santos has earned a Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship and will continue her studies in the fall after graduating May 17 with undergraduate degrees in political science and international affairs.   

The fellowship program prepares young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State where they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy.   

The Branford, Connecticut, resident is JMU’s first Rangel Fellow, one of 45 students selected from about 1,500 applicants across the country, said Leslie Pusey, assistant director of JMU's Office of Student Awards, Initiatives and Research. Santos will pursue a master’s degree in international relations at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. Following the two-year program, she will work in the Foreign Service for the U.S. Department of State.   

In addition to her majors at JMU, Santos is completing a minor in Asian studies and is finishing her second year of Korean language studies.   

Santos would like to get a job as a political officer and hopes she will be assigned to Asia.   

She became interested in the Rangel Fellowship while participating in JMU’s Washington Semester during her sophomore year.   

"All of the incredible opportunities that I’ve had have been because of the resources offered through JMU," Santos said, noting that in addition to the Washington Semester, she has participated in diplomacy simulations, NATO case challenges, Model European Union, Model African Union, and a Hacking for Diplomacy course.   

"Bella is a rare gem: Smart and humble, studious and social, professional and fun, eager and patient, confident and gracious. She exudes all the qualities of a compassionate diplomat and an incredible human," said Pusey.   

Fellowship advisor Jared Steiman said the Rangel Fellowship is "one of many payoffs Bella’s hard work has earned. She is bound to build a support system and find success in any environment."