TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Chris-Ann Thomas is the recipient of the inaugural University of Birmingham and Jamaica National Foundation Legacy Scholarship.

Thomas, who recently completed her undergraduate degree in accounting, finance and banking at the University of Technology, was selected from four shortlisted applicants by a five-member judging panel, which included Earl Jarrett, general manager of Jamaica National Building Society and chairman of the JNBS Foundation; and Saffrey Brown, general manager of the JNBS Foundation.

The scholarship, which was launched in February, received a total of 23 applications from prospective students who successfully matriculated and received conditional offers to the University of Birmingham Business School before April 23, 2014.

Thomas will start her one-year graduate programme to pursue a master’s degree in international accounting and finance in September.

Expressing delight at being named the first recipient of this international scholarship, the articulate student said that she hopes to represent Jamaica as an ambassador, while excelling academically.

“I am looking forward to excelling in my academic pursuits and to represent my country as an ambassador. I have always maintained a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, because both are equally important to my overall development and success,” she said.

Following the announcement of the Legacy candidate’s selection, Jarrett expressed tremendous optimism and confidence in Thomas’ aptitude and ability to effectively represent Jamaica on the international platform through her academic excellence and courage.

And, in reference to the objective of the Legacy Scholarship, the JN Foundation chairman described it as…”a vehicle for educational advancement for young people, and an opportunity which encourages both scholastic excellence and community involvement”.

“Education is one of the core mandates of the JNBS Foundation and we are pleased that we have been able to provide a scholarship at this level and scope in conjunction with our main partner, the University of Birmingham,” Jarrett said.

Andy Hammond, master of science admissions and recruitment officer at Birmingham Business School, noted that a total of 32 applications were received for the 2014/2015 academic year. This, he noted, represents a significant increase in the number of Jamaicans applying for graduate programmes at the school when compared with four applications received in the previous academic cycle.

The University of Birmingham and the Jamaica National Foundation Legacy Scholarship will provide one full scholarship annually, over a three-year period, to Jamaican students who have successfully matriculated to study for a master of science degree at the University of Birmingham’s Business School.

The scholarship programme is also endorsed by the Governor-General through his I Believe Initiative.