Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Colin Cannonier, recent graduate Lydia Camp to pursue international research, teaching opportunities
This year, two representatives from Belmont University were selected as Fulbright award recipients: Associate Professor of Economics Colin Cannonier and recent graduate Lydia Camp (international business '24).
Since 1946, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program — the U.S. government’s flagship program of international educational and cultural exchange — has offered students and scholars an opportunity to study, teach, conduct research or pursue graduate study abroad. Through cross-cultural dialogue and direct interaction with host communities, Fulbright scholars exchange ideas that contribute to finding solutions to community and global challenges.
“The Fulbright scholar selection process is highly demanding, handpicking individuals who exhibit exceptional qualities paramount for serving in this distinguished role of ambassador,” said Belmont Provost Dr. David Gregory. “I am confident both Lydia and Dr. Cannonier will represent both the U.S. and Belmont University with distinction. Belmont is extremely honored to have exceptional students and faculty to receive this esteemed honor in the same year. These scholars are truly the finest talents our nation has to offer.”
Lydia Camp
Camp will pursue a two-year Master of Social Sciences program in Spain at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, where she will study a combination of economic history, sociology and political science. Afterward, she hopes to pursue a doctorate where she can apply research and theory in a tangible way.
“Research and ideas significantly shape how policies are formed and how we view the world, whether we know it or not,” she said. “Academia can have practical applications, and learning is an intrinsic good that we should all pursue.”
Belmont’s study abroad opportunities were a main attraction for the Elgin, Illinois native who will graduate with an international business degree. Since enrolling at Belmont in 2020, Camp has spent nearly as much time overseas as she has in-person on campus.
“I always knew that I wanted to spend time abroad,” Camp said. “I was able to take three semesters abroad. I had a study abroad requirement for the Honors program and a requirement for my major.”
Camp studied for one semester at Harlaxton College in England with the Honors program and spent two semesters at the University of Oxford in England. As a student, she was involved in spiritual life organizations, leading a Plunge Trip — Belmont’s fall break mission trip — and participating in the Reformed University Fellowship campus ministry.
Camp’s internship experience piqued her interest in migration preference policy reform. She served as an intern at the Nashville International Center for Empowerment and the Global Leadership Network. She also spent a summer in the Smoky Mountains as an intern at A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, where she spearheaded a project to organize social events for her peers who were exchange visitors with J-1 Visas.
Colin Cannonier
Cannonier will collaborate with Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) in St. Kitts and Nevis to co-facilitate courses in economics and help develop industry-oriented programs in business analytics and economics, specifically tailored to the tourism sector.
In addition to his work at CFBC, Cannonier hopes to work alongside the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (EECB) where he previously served as a balance of payments economist and statistician. At EECB, he hopes to engage in research and implement strategies to benefit the regional economy.
“Fulbright’s renowned reputation for promoting cross-cultural understanding and its emphasis on collaborative international research perfectly align with my professional aspirations and personal values,” said Cannonier. “It is a privilege to be considered for this award and I am excited about the potential opportunities this Fulbright program could bring about for our department, college and the university, especially in facilitating the potential for establishing partnerships and collaborations with institutions like CFBC and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.”
Cannonier's Fulbright will occur in two parts during late summer 2024 and summer 2025. In addition to his work at CFBC, Cannonier hopes to work alongside the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) – where he previously served as a balance of payments economist and statistician. At ECCB, he hopes to engage in research and implement strategies that could benefit the regional economy.
“The Fulbright program’s renowned reputation for promoting cross-cultural understanding and its emphasis on collaborative international research perfectly align with my professional aspirations and personal values,” he said. “This collaboration aims to enhance educational offerings and economic insights that are directly applicable to the local and regional contexts.”
A faculty member since 201, Cannonier has been involved in various programs and initiatives, contributing to the academic community and the broader university mission. Having spent his childhood in the region, Cannonier says his aspiration to contribute to its growth and development has been a driving force in his academic and professional pursuits.
“I am committed to representing Belmont and the Massey College of Business with distinction and furthering our institution’s global engagement,” he said. “It is a privilege to be considered for this award and I am excited about the potential opportunities this Fulbright program could bring about for our department, college and the university, especially in facilitating the potential for establishing partnerships and collaborations with institutions like the CFBC and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.”
Cannonier obtained his Ph.D. and Master of Science in economics from Louisiana State University. He received his Master of Arts in development economics from Williams College and his Bachelor of Science in business, economic and social statistics from the University of the West Indies.