UC Honors College Student Tapped as First Avashia Fellow
CHARLESTON, WV — 8/5/2025 — Maliah McCann-Coles learned she had been named the first-ever recipient of the Honors College’s Avashia Fellowship, she was stunned.
“I was flabbergasted,” said the double major in Political Science and Management. “I had gotten to know the Avashias and their unique story, and I felt a deep connection with their journey. Being recognized for my hard work in relation to them is such an honor.”
The prestigious new fellowship includes a $2,000 award and the opportunity to serve as a mentor within UC’s Honors College—a role she plans to embrace wholeheartedly.
“I look forward to mentoring new students,” she said. “Mentorship is so beneficial when you’re an incoming freshman. I’m grateful for the guidance I received, which nurtured me not only academically but also helped me grow and evolve as a person.”
As McCann-Coles continues her journey, she carries both deep gratitude and a desire to pay it forward.
“Their belief in students like me changes lives,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy—and I’m excited to pass it on to the next generation of student leaders.”
About the Avashia Fellowship
The UC Honors College Avashia Fellowship celebrates academic excellence, community commitment, and leadership potential. It recognizes one exceptional Honors College student who exemplifies those values — values also held by the Avashia family.
Dr. Bipin Avashia, a retired occupational medicine physician, and his late wife Rita, a UC MBA alumna, have long supported educational and community initiatives. Their generosity has enhanced the UC Honors College experience through gifts that not only fund the Honors Fellow Award but also support student research, travel to conferences, visiting scholars, and other initiatives.
“In the spirit of the gift from the Avashia family,” explained Hallie Chillag, Honors College Director and Associate Professor of Social Science. “The fellowship is structured to support a student with a sincere passion for education, excellence, Appalachian culture, and a commitment to West Virginia. Maliah personifies all of those things, and is the type of curious learner and intellectual leader that reflects the values of Bipin and Rita Avashia. It is such an honor to name this fellowship for Rita Avashia who studied at UC and would have surely valued an investment in Maliah.”
That sense of purpose is central to the Honors College, which offers intensive, experiential learning opportunities to high-achieving students. Honors students are selected for their academic success, community engagement, and leadership potential — and once enrolled, they are challenged to grow in every dimension.
“Engaging with students in the Honors College is a gift,” said Dr. Kara Fisher, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the UC Honors College. “We’re learning together and making a shared impact in our community. We continue to develop the Honors program to help students find their story and grow their passion. We knew right away that Maliah was a curious learner and looking for meaningful work in her college experience. She’s a natural leader, and we’re sincerely grateful for the Avashia’s gift that allows us to extend this opportunity for Maliah. “
As McCann-Coles continues her journey, she carries both gratitude and motivation.
“The Avashias’ belief in students like me changes lives,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy — and I’m excited to pass it on.”
For more information on the UC Honors College, click here.