Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight Q&A with Grace Trimble Burr, Chellow Class of 2012
Celebrating 20 Years! Chellgren Student Fellow Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Grace Trimble Burr, Chellow Class of 2012
The Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence is celebrating the 20th class of Chellgren Student Fellows by hosting an All-Class Reunion in October 2026 to celebrate! In honor of 20 years, we are highlighting alumni from the program by sharing where they are now and reflecting on their time as Chellgren Student Fellows.
Grace Trimble Burr was born and raised in Winchester, Kentucky. She majored in Political Science. The Chellgren Center stood out to her as a unique way to engage more deeply with faculty and pursue meaningful undergraduate research. She completed the Chellgren Student Fellows Program during her sophomore year. She remained actively engaged with the Center while pursuing post-graduate scholarship opportunities, continuing to seek mentorship and guidance through the office throughout her time at UK. Through the Center, she found a mentor who inspired her to apply for the Truman Scholarship, which she received, becoming a Truman Scholar in 2014. She has since moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Senator Rand Paul, pursued her Master of Public Administration at the University of Georgia, and worked at UGA in Business Engagement and Innovation before relocating to Florida to join the United States Tennis Association in Community Relations and Development. She is currently based in North Georgia, where she is operationalizing several startup ventures.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Kentucky, and how did you first get connected with the Chellgren Center?
I chose the University of Kentucky because I wanted to stay close to home and pursue the opportunity to walk on to the tennis team. As I began exploring academic opportunities beyond the classroom, I came across the Chellgren Center, researched the Fellows Program, and applied. It stood out as a unique way to engage more deeply with faculty and pursue meaningful research as an undergraduate.
What was your involvement with the Chellgren Center during your time at UK?
I completed the Chellgren Student Fellows Program during my sophomore year. After that experience, I remained actively engaged with the Center while pursuing post-graduate scholarship opportunities, continuing to seek mentorship and guidance through the office throughout my time at UK.
How did that experience enrich your undergraduate years?
Chellgren truly altered my trajectory. Through the Fellows Program, I was connected with Dr. Clayton Thyne, who became my undergraduate research mentor. His mentorship was instrumental in encouraging me to apply for the Truman Scholarship and in shaping my academic and professional direction. Without that introduction, I genuinely do not think I would have ended up on the path I pursued. I am incredibly grateful for the role Chellgren played in facilitating that relationship and for Dr. Thyne’s guidance throughout my undergraduate career.
What have you been up to since graduation, and how did that path unfold?
After graduating, I moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Senator Rand Paul. Following two years in that role, I pursued my Master of Public Administration at the University of Georgia. After completing my degree, I worked at UGA in Business Engagement and Innovation before relocating to Florida to join the United States Tennis Association in Community Relations and Development. Currently, I am based in North Georgia, where I am operationalizing several startup ventures.
In what ways did your Chellgren experience prepare you for where you are now?
Chellgren taught me how to think critically, pursue research with rigor, and build meaningful faculty relationships. Engaging in undergraduate research broadened my perspective and helped me approach opportunities with confidence and intellectual curiosity. That foundation has shaped how I evaluate problems, build partnerships, and pursue ambitious goals today.
What advice would you give to an undergraduate student considering getting involved with the Chellgren Center?
Take the leap. The experience may challenge you, expand your thinking, and introduce you to mentors who can significantly influence your path. You never know which conversation or opportunity might change the direction of your future.
About the Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program
The Chellgren Center Student Fellows Program is designed for second-year students. This program provides experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through the Chellgren Center programming, you will gain many experiences that will help you get a head start on your career and inspire your goals. You get to experience faculty-mentored research, career advising, professional development, and so much more. You will collaborate with students, mentors, faculty, and staff.
The Chellgren Center began in 2005 with a generous gift from Mr. Paul W. Chellgren and his family, which was matched by the state to create a $4.5 million endowment. The center aims to foster undergraduate excellence through programs like the Chellgren Student Fellows program and by inspiring innovation in teaching and learning, aligning with Chellgren’s vision to enrich the lives of students and faculty. The first class of Chellgren Student Fellows began in the fall of 2007 when Dr. Philip Harling became the director of the student program and the first endowed chair of the center. We have seen many changes over the years, including the growth of the student program, financial assistance to undergraduates traveling to conferences or performing research, annual trips for the Chellgren Student Fellows, and the restructuring of one of our faculty programs. For more information on the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, visit our website: https://chellgren.uky.edu/.