Tuesday, March 10, 2026
UNT Student News, Awards & Scholarships, Honors College, International Programs
DENTON (UNT), Texas — A prestigious grant will allow a University of North Texas undergraduate Honors College student to pursue a master’s degree in England.
Hadiyah “Diyah” Muhammad, a senior majoring in international studies with a concentration in business and economics, is the recipient of a $45,000 Rotary Global Grant from District 5790 of Rotary International, and with nomination support from the Rotary Club of Grapevine. The grant will enable her to study local economic development at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her host Rotary Club in England will be the Rotary Club of Radlett.
“LSE produces marvelous academics, and their local economic development master’s program aligns perfectly with my academic goals,” Muhammad said. “I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity.”
Founded in 1905, Rotary International supports philanthropic and educational initiatives with over 1.2 million members and 45,000 clubs worldwide. Its Global Grant program funds graduate-level academic scholarships, humanitarian projects and the development of international vocational training teams.
“Diyah is an extraordinarily bright and accomplished student whose personality shines as brightly as her intellect,” said UNT Honors College Dean Glenisson F. de Oliveira. “As a Rotary Global Grant recipient, Diyah will be a fantastic ambassador for Rotary International, much like she is for UNT and the Honors College.”
Muhammad completed the rigorous grant application process while participating in a summer research program funded by the National Science Foundation at the University of Texas at Austin Population Research Center. James Duban, Honors College associate dean for research and national scholarships, encouraged her to apply.
Hadiyah "Diyah" Muhammad, UNT international studies major and Rotary Global Grant recipient
“Diyah’s goodwill and noble character are aligned with the Rotarian value of service above self and a moral imperative to make the world a better place,” Duban said.
Muhammad grew up in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, where she observed the effects of uneven resource distribution. Raised alongside her siblings by a single-parent mother, Muhammad said her academic path was inspired by her upbringing in a tight-knit, resilient community.
“Taking courses in urban and international economic geography at UNT showed me how deeply the two disciplines are intwined. It reinforced that economic development is inseparable from geographic space,” she said.
Muhammad credits UNT faculty with providing the support she needed to earn admission to the LSE, as well as the Rotary Global Grant. Kimi King, professor in UNT’s Department of Political Science and Muhammad’s research director, said Muhammad’s accomplishments began during her first year at UNT.
“Diyah has worked tirelessly since she was a freshman on building her reputation and a professional record of achievement. It’s no surprise that she has received multiple admissions opportunities — and winning the Rotary Global Grant is the crowning glory,” King said.
After earning her master’s degree, Muhammad plans to work at the intersection of economic research and implementation, advancing sustainable development initiatives related to land use, infrastructure and resource distribution among low-income communities. She believes her experiences in both Texas and the U.K. will prepare her for that work.
“I’m excited to engage with local councils and organizations in the U.K.,” Muhammad said. “I hope that combining my own background with new perspectives will help me become an ethical developer.”
From UNT News – Global Grant