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A Kings graduate is among 12 Ohio University students to be named a Fulbright scholar.

Kimberley Vandegrift, a Maineville resident and Ohio University graduate, is now living in Germany researching the work of modern German music therapists, as well as the 19th-century concept of Gemut, which she sees as a precursor to modern music therapy. Vandegrift majored in music.

Vandegrift actually turned down an award to participate in a German academic exchange service to accept the Fulbright award. She wants her future work to focus on the arts and health education.

"I discovered what turned into my research project by accident," Vandegrift said. "I found this article about the use of music in the treatment of psychiatric patients in a 19th century German asylum and it was the perfect starting point for me. The ideas described seemed similar to modern music therapy, so I thought it would be interesting to do a study between the two."

Fulbright grants are made to U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries for a variety of educational activities, primarily university lecturing, advanced research, graduate study and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.

Ohio University's success

Along with the 12 students, which tied Ohio for 21st in the nation for Fulbright winners, five faculty members also won. That number is seventh in the country.

Among doctoral/research universities, Ohio University student applicants had the highest success rate in the nation, at 54.5 percent. The next closest schools in that measure were Georgetown at 40.9 percent and Yale at 36.6 percent.

Nine students or recent alumni earned awards in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2007-08, and a record 13 won Fulbright grants in 2006-07. The five faculty awards this year ties an Ohio University record set 20 years ago. A total of eight faculty members earned Fulbrights over the four previous years.

"Achieving this kind of success in a single year is reason to celebrate, but year after year being among those institutions that produces high numbers of Fulbright scholars goes beyond celebration," President Roderick J. McDavis said. "It is a special point of pride for our community of scholars."

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4507 or rycook@coxohio.com.