My Davidson | A Student Blog An Inside Look at Summer With Scholar-Athlete Jillian Fox '27
August 4, 2026
At Davidson College, being a Division I athlete doesn’t mean stepping back from hands-on research or high-impact experiential learning.
Our scholar-athletes excel in competition while tackling rigorous academic projects that make a tangible difference in the community.
This summer, women’s soccer player Jillian Fox ’27 embodies that dual commitment. Between early morning workouts and pre-season conditioning, Jillian has been working as a Rural North Carolina Philanthropy Fellow. She has conducted field research, collaborated with statewide leaders and applied data-driven strategies to support rural nonprofits.
Here is Jillian’s firsthand look at how she balanced pre-season prep with real-world impact this summer:
What Have You Been Up To Over the Summer?
Over the past couple of months, I have been working as a Rural North Carolina Philanthropy Fellow in Davidson, while training for my upcoming soccer season.
Prof. Ken Menkhaus shared this opportunity with me, and I was immediately interested because I am passionate about the intersection of nonprofit work, policy and data-driven decision making.
I was especially drawn to the chance to contribute to research that supports nonprofits and helps identify priority needs in rural North Carolina, knowing that the work can make a meaningful impact on local communities.
Any Highlights of Your Experience?
My professor, fellow student researchers and I attended the Rural Homegrown Leaders Conference.
During the three-day trip to Boone, North Carolina, we collaborated and networked with nonprofit leaders, local government officials, and other professionals committed to strengthening rural communities.
Working on a hybrid schedule has allowed me to keep up with the demands of training for the fall season while still allowing me to pursue meaningful career opportunities and gain hands-on professional experience.
About Jillian
Jillian Fox '27 is a political science and data science student from Darien, Connecticut.
Outside of the classroom and the Women's Soccer Team, she is involved with Connor House, the ’Cats Care Mentorship Program and ’Cats Stats.
