University of North Texas 
DENTON (UNT), Texas — A prestigious grant will allow an undergraduate Honors College student at the University of North Texas 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.
“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.”