June 2013: COA Graduate Bound for Yale University

NEWS For Immediate Release June 18, 2013 CONTACT: Lisa Johnson, Director, Marketing & Communications Release No. 22LJ-PR-2013

COA Graduate Bound for Yale University

Ms. Yulia Vozzhaeva, a Currtiuck County resident and College of The Albemarle May 2013 graduate, has a lot to celebrate as she recently received her acceptance letter to Yale University.  The greatest news of all – she will attend the prestigious unviersity on a full scholarship beginning this August. While also accepted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Mount Holyoke College, Yulia always had Yale in her sights as the ultimate destination.  She has not officially chosen her program of study at Yale, but has narrowed it down to Linguistics, Global Affairs, or Anthropology.

Steve Woodburn, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at College of The Albemarle stated, “We are so proud of Yulia and her accomplishments as a COA graduate.  She is an incredible person and an excellent student.  She is a shining example of many of the quality students we have at COA and of the outstanding education we offer to our students.  This year we have had students accepted to some of the most academically prestigious schools in the United States.  In addition to Yulia being accepted to Yale, others have been accepted to the University of Michigan, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State University.”

Prior to traveling to the United States and more specifically to Dare County, Yulia was attending Omsk State Institute of Service in Omsk, Russia and was a bachelor degree candidate.  In 2009, Yulia came to the United States to work in Corolla during the summer.  While here, she visited College of The Albemarle’s Dare County Campus, learned about the necessary paperwork and enrollment criteria and decided that she would return in 2010 ready to enroll as a student.  Yulia jumped head first into her studies as she worked toward her Associate in Arts Degree.  She also became an integral part of the student body at the Dare Campus as she was the President of Dare Campus Student Government Association (SGA) during the 2011-2012 academic year and served as Public Information Officer for the college-wide SGA during the 2012-2013 academic year.  Yulia was the Founder and President of the International Club at the Dare County Campus, as well as the President of the Literary Club and has served the college as a Student Ambassador this past year.  She was also a member of the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan committee since its inception. Yulia actively volunteered in her community with the Corolla Fire and Rescue; Ruthie's Community Kitchen; and taught Russian language and culture at Waters Edge Charter School.

Yulia graduated this past May with a 4.0 grade point average and was the recipient of the President’s Service Cup Award.  This award is the most prestigious recognition a graduating student can receive at COA.  Recipients of this award excel in the classroom, have made significant contributions of service to the college, and are active in student activities and their local community.    

Martha P. Johnson, Assistant Dean at the Dare County Campus stated, “Yulia was always the first student to volunteer for any service or learning opportunity and was constantly looking for ways to make COA and her community a better place.  She is a natural leader who connected with her fellow students and encouraged them to get involved in local opportunities.  As Yulia continues her education at Yale University, I have no doubt we will see great things from her in the future.”

When Yulia was asked about her journey from COA to Yale University she stated, “COA was very supportive of me as an International Student from the very first time I visited the campus – which is very rare.  COA provided me opportunites to receive a high quality education in a small classroom environment, as well as leadership opportunities with the Student Government Association and campus clubs.  I am proud to be a catalyst who can motivate others to become involved in school events and activities.  My time as a Student Ambassador allowed me to connect with many people within the communities the college serves.  I was able to share my college experience with local county commissioners, prospective COA students, and community members.  I will miss the Outer Banks, but I look forward to my time at Yale as COA has prepared me well.”

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