Call for Candidates for the Nicholas Cefalu Graduate Research Assistantship

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana
University announces the competition for the Nicholas Cefalu Graduate Research
Assistantship. The assistantship is designed to encourage graduate student
research into long term Louisiana legislator and businessman Nicholas Cefalu’s
home region of southeast Louisiana and/or surrounding regions of the state and
Gulf South.

The renewable award includes full tuition for the fall, spring, and summer
semesters at Southeastern Louisiana University beginning in August 2023, along
with a full graduate student stipend and a $1500.00 enhancement each semester,
for a total stipend package of $13,000.00 annually. Submissions will be accepted
from existing or entering graduate students in virtually any academic field
including: history, cultural studies, art, music, literature, environmental studies,
science, political science etc. During the period of the award, the successful
candidate will work as a research assistant in the Center for Southeast Louisiana
Studies. Candidates must also be conducting, or planning to conduct, research
centered on southeast Louisiana or the wider Gulf South with an emphasis on
topics reflecting the professional interests of Mr. Cefalu such as: regional
business development, agricultural interests particularly strawberry and dairy
farming, education, philanthropy, and regional politics and culture. The product
of the research should be directed toward the completion of a master’s thesis or
publishable paper.

Applicants should submit a brief abstract of their intended course of study
or research project, along with a cover letter and c.v., to Dr. Samuel Hyde,
director of the Center for Southeast LA. Studies, at the address below or by email.
Candidate applications will be reviewed by an award committee consisting of the
director of the Center, a representative of the Cefalu family, and an independent
scholar. Applications must be received by May 15, 2023 to be considered for the
award. For additional information contact shyde@selu.edu.