Headshot of Dana Kuchem

Dana Kuchem

Director of Scholars & Fellowships
  • Profile

    Dana Kuchem became the founding Director of the Office of Scholars & Fellowships in June 2017.  She has been working in the field of fellowship advising and merit scholar programs since 2005.  Dana has been an active the leader in the National Association of Fellowships Advisors and has served on national selection committees for a variety of fellowships including the Critical Language, Truman, Udall, and Gilman Scholarship programs.  At the University of Richmond, she oversees the selection process and logistics of the Richmond Scholars program; she also works to educate and assist all students interested in pursuing a national scholarship or fellowship opportunity.  Dana is firmly committed to helping students make courageous choices about their future; she strongly values the potential for student growth through the process of applying for a national fellowship. 

    A native of San Francisco, Dana is enjoying the Richmond sunshine.  She can be found exploring the city with her partner, Milo, and their chocolate lab, Henry; growing dahlias in her garden; or watching NHL hockey and cheering for the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

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    • Awards

      • Suzanne McCray Exemplary Service Award, National Association of Fellowships Advisors, 2023
      • Ohio State University Staff Development Grant, 2016 & 2009
      • Outstanding Advisor of the Year, Academic Advising Association of Ohio State, 2013
      • Fulbright Scholar, Germany International Educational Administrator Program, 2011
      • Phi Kappa Phi, Alumni Inductee, 2011
      • Mortar Board Senior Honor Society

    • Presentations

      Kuchem, D., Miller, S., Seery, L., & Wilson, M. (2017, July). Beyond the Binary: advising trans* and gender nonconforming students through the fellowship application process. Presented at the National Association of Fellowships Advisors Ninth Biennial Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

      Dawson, D., Kuchem, D., & Stark-Gendrano, R. (2015, July).  Understanding attrition: best practices for engaging—and retaining—fellowship applicants. Presented at the National Association of Fellowships Advisors Eighth Biennial Conference, Oakland, CA. 

      Housley, H.L., Kuchem, D., & Wallach, S.  (2013, July).  Turning the tables: from Fulbright Advisor to Fulbright International Education Administrator program applicant. Presented at the National Association of Fellowships Advisors Seventh Biennial Conference, Atlanta, GA.

      Krauss Whitbourne, S., Kuchem, D., & Powers, B.  (2011, July).  Coping with our common challenges: strategies for success in fellowship advising. Presented at the National Association of Fellowships Advisors Sixth Biennial Conference, Chicago, IL.

      Echols, J., Kuchem, D., & Wallach, S.  (2009, July).  Building foundations, building partnerships: paving avenues for success.  Presented at the National Association of Fellowships Advisors Fifth Biennial Conference, Seattle, WA.

      Cunning, T., Kuchem, D., Lieberman, S., & Stubbs, J.  (2007, July).  Identifying and working with scholarship candidates at large public universities.   Presented at the National Association of Fellowships Advisors Fourth Biennial Conference, Washington, D.C.

    • Professional Experience

      Treasurer, National Association of Fellowships Advisors (2021-2025)

      President, National Association of Fellowships Advisors (2015-2017)

      Vice President, National Association of Fellowships Advisors (2013-2015)

      Executive Board, National Association of Fellowships Advisors (2011-2013)

      Manager, Undergraduate Fellowship Office, The Ohio State University (2011-2017)

      Manager, Honors Collegium, The Ohio State University (2005-2011)