History
The Wattles Fellowship was founded in 1969 by Walter C. Wattles, Vanderbilt University BA '36, in partnership with UK corporations operating in Lloyd's of London, the world’s leading corporate risk management and insurance marketplace. The original purpose was to provide an opportunity in an industry not otherwise available to women at that time. Today, the Fellowship is the only program of its kind offering a one-year, fully integrated position in the London insurance market. The Wattles Fellowship provides unparalleled international work experience which has proven to be highly transferable into a variety of industries including finance, consulting, law, medicine, education, risk management and more. Wattles fellows are trained in a fast-paced environment in one of three positions: Property Account Executive with Willis Towers Watson, Aviation Underwriter Liberty Specialty Markets Limited, and Aviation Account Manager at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Three women graduates from Vanderbilt University, ranked in the top 20 US National Universities by US News and World Report, are selected each year to participate in the Wattles Fellowship. Highly qualified women apply annually and are required to submit a resume and thoughtful essay about why she should be selected as a Wattles fellow. All candidates receive a first-round interview. Former fellows and the Fellowship Board conduct two rounds of interviews and select the finalists based on their academic performance, student leadership, internship experience, community service, essay content, letter of recommendation, and personal qualifications. Candidates have a variety of educational backgrounds and knowledge of insurance is not a prerequisite.
The Wattles Fellowship is a rich cultural experience in living and working among the British. Upon selection, Wattles fellows also join a robust, close-knit network of women who share a unique experience and common bond. This community is intimately engaged with our fellows both during and long after their fellowship year in London. Wattles mentorship is integral to our mission and culture.
I consider my year in London as a Wattles Fellow to be one of the most formative and edifying years of my life from both a professional and personal perspective. The career advancement has proven to be profound and relationships I formed with other Fellows and colleagues will last a lifetime. The Fellowship empowered me to become the woman that I am today.
Founder

The Fellowship's founder, Walter C. Wattles, was born in 1914 and grew up on the Vanderbilt University campus. His family lived in the old Wesley Hall, where his mother was the Dining Services Director. After graduating from Columbia Military Academy, Mr. Wattles returned to his beloved home and graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1936. He later joined the Navy as an officer and served during World War II.
Mr. Wattles was a prominent international insurance executive, working with high profile clients including Delta Airlines, Trans World Airlines, and the Smithsonian Institute. He conducted much of his business overseas at Lloyd's of London and cultivated lasting relationships with several Chairmen of Lloyd's, including Chairman Ian Findlay who was one of the Fellowship's biggest supporters in the marketplace. These Lloyd's leaders were instrumental not only in the formation of the Fellowship, but ultimately its enduring success.
As the father of three daughters, Mr. Wattles was passionate about the promotion of women in the workplace and the importance of understanding other cultures. To this end, he founded the Wattles Fellowship in 1969. His progressive thinking provided women with an opportunity not only to work in the international insurance market that was previously unavailable to them, but also to be immersed in England's culture and community. With Mr. Wattles at the helm, he was able to guide the Fellowship into the 21st century; the job description changed from being mostly clerical in the early years to the only program of its kind, offering a one-year, fully integrated position in the London insurance market. The Wattles fellows were among the very first women to conduct business on the floor of Lloyd's of London. Mr. Wattles would be very proud of how far the Fellowship has come.
Mr. Wattles passed away on June 15, 2009 in Atlanta after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was 95. His wife, DeeDee Wattles, an exceptional woman and tireless supporter of the Fellowship, remained the Fellowship's matriarch and carried on Mr. Wattles’ legacy until her death on November 15, 2015. Mr. and Mrs. Wattles’ granddaughter, Sarah Sherman, Vanderbilt alumnus (’03) and Wattles Fellow (’03), was elected Chairman of the Wattles Fellowship Board in 2017 and serves alongside exceptional Wattles board members and advisors, all of whom are Wattles fellows.