David Schug, Director
David Schug has been working with top-notch Illinois students and alumni in preparing and applying for nationally competitive awards since 2002. He greatly enjoys meeting students from all backgrounds and disciplines and encouraging them to reach for their academic and personal goals. In the mornings, you may find him running on area trails, and in the evenings, he is likely hanging out with his family, serving at a church event, playing double bass with a community orchestra, or gardening.
Dani Nutting, Assistant Director
Dani has a dynamic background of teaching, mentoring, and editing across disciplines, and experience as a Fulbright grantee to Bulgaria, where she conducted her doctoral research on cross-genre flute traditions and re-heritagizations of expressive culture. While earning her Doctor of Musical Arts in flute performance at Illinois with an ethnomusicology cognate, Dani grew her passion for helping students discern and express their values and tell meaningful, impactful stories. She looks forward to meeting aspirant scholarship recipients as whole people as they seek transformative life experiences. Outside of NIS, Dani performs locally (including with UIUC’s Balkanalia) and across the country, teaches flute and Alexander Technique, and runs an online arts publication. She spends her free time baking, gardening, reading quasi-philosophical escapist fiction, exploring local parks and foodways with her husband, and playing with her spicy tortoiseshell cat.
Caitlin Wilson, Office Manager
Caitlin joined the National and International Scholarships Program in April of 2023. Her passion for helping others has led her throughout her administrative career. Caitlin enjoys supporting students, faculty and staff. Away from the office, Caitlin enjoys a good Netflix binge, fishing, baking and having a glass of wine with friends.
Review Committees
Review committees are another important part of our scholarships process. Students at Illinois are fortunate to have numerous exceptional faculty and staff devoted to our cause. Committee members spend hours reviewing applications, engaging with candidates in interviews, and providing insightful feedback to assist in the revision process.