On Feb. 13, NC State was recognized for both the Fulbright U.S. Student and Fulbright U.S. Scholar programs. This is the first time the University has been named a Top Producing Institution for U.S. students since the program began in 2009. 

Fulbright Scholars is one of the most widely recognized scholarships in the world and provides roughly 9,000 grants annually to scholars looking to expand their intercultural competence. 

Several offices on campus worked alongside each other to make the recognition possible. The Office for Faculty Excellence focuses on the faculty scholars and guides professional development and success for those employed on campus. The Office of Global Engagement promotes global thinking, cultural understanding and skills development in the campus culture. The University Fellowships Office provides aid to students during their application process for national and international fellowships and scholarships.

Courtney Hughes, director of the University Fellowships office, said she thinks Fulbright is an opportunity for students to learn leadership qualities.

“Fulbright takes into consideration not just academic motivation but also that personal motivation … what is making you reach for something more,” Hughes said. “Once you’re a part of the Fulbright Program, they’re really interested in also helping connect and raise students up as leaders.”

Eighteen students and faculty were awarded during this academic year, which Hughes said is a reflection of the University’s commitment to students and faculty who want to travel and study. 

Only 12 colleges and universities in the country received this recognition, and NC State is one of five public universities that were recognized in both the student and faculty categories. 

“Whether it’s programming in the country or coming back and being a designated Fulbright Scholar, the program itself really does reap some benefits when we’re talking about making students into more aware, empathetic and engaged leaders in the future,” Hughes said. 

The Office of Global Engagement offers students a lens to look through when deciding where to study abroad. Amy Conger, vice provost for global engagement, said providing infrastructure and service is needed for NC State’s global activities. 

“Nowadays, I don’t think you could think of any major at NC State that doesn’t have a global component,” Conger said. “Whether you’re thinking about design challenges, or the way textiles are manufactured and used around the world, the chance to bring in perspectives from how other countries and cultures do this work is critical to how the fields are evolving.”

Conger said the Fulbright program is unique because it promotes international educational and cultural exchange and looks for scholars who not only show academic merit, but for scholars who are well-rounded and engaged with those around them. 

Kyle Miskell, director of faculty recognition for the Office of Faculty Excellence, said Fulbright is an opportunity to help students experience different perspectives. 

“One thing we like about Fulbright is it’s an award that cuts across disciplines,” Miskell said. “Knowing other people out there that are doing work in the field and creating that network of support allows us to tackle global issues with a global perspective.”

The Fulbright Pathfinder Program was created to provide faculty with a grant for global exchange to strengthen their proposal to Fulbright Scholars before applying since they look for accomplished individuals in pursuit of research and professional development. 

“One thing about Fulbright is the alumni network … it can be very valuable to go and set up an independent experience abroad, and that might make sense for many students, but one of the advantages of doing it through Fulbright is then you become part of this worldwide network,” Conger said. 

In March, these offices will team up to put on a Fulbright week, where they plan to showcase all that Fulbright has to offer to campus, with information highlighting the different resources and programs supported by the Fulbright program. The next application cycle for Fulbright Scholarships opens on April 2.