McQuirk, Tatlow First to Receive Peace Corps Prep Certificate at U of A

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Cole McQuirk, left and Chelsea Tatlow are the first University of Arkansas students to receive Peace Corps Prep certificates.

Recent graduates Cole McQuirk and Chelsea Tatlow are the first University of Arkansas students to receive Peace Corps Prep certificates.

The certificate program prepares students for service in the Peace Corps and prepares students to be successful intercultural leaders after graduation. After completing the certificate program, students receive a competitive advantage when applying for Peace Corps service.

McQuirk earned the Peace Corps certificate in addition to a bachelor's degree in international business. He has applied to participate in the Peace Corps' Community Economic Development program in Albania, but he is open to being placed in any locations where help is needed.

"I am applying to the Peace Corps primarily to serve the community I am placed in," he said. "I also aim to gain professional experience in the service and non-governmental organization world, in order to work at a nonprofit like the International Rescue Committee, with hopes to eventually work with refugees fleeing their homeland."

Tatlow earned a bachelor's degree in social work and competed on the swim and dive team throughout her tenure at the university. She applied to serve all sectors and locations in the Peace Corps and is under consideration to serve in the education sector in the Dominican Republic.

"When I learned more about the Peace Corps during an assembly in middle school, I knew it was a chance to provide my skills to those in need and to help bridge the gap in understanding non-dominant cultures," she said. "There are large groups of people who don't have access to recreation, treatments and education that can help them live happy and healthy lives."

Both McQuirk and Tatlow graduated in spring 2018. Should they receive placement in the Peace Corps, they would depart for their work in 2019.

The University of Arkansas is one of only 100 Peace Corps Prep partner schools across the country. Approximately 30 University of Arkansas alumni serve as Peace Corps volunteers each year, and approximately 20 returning Peace Corps volunteers serve as faculty, staff or emeritus at the university.

Students interested in completing the Peace Corps Prep certificate program should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange.