Hawkins, Texas — Jarvis Christian University (JCU) has been named one of 19 Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leaders for 2022 for its support for Fulbright exchange participants and its promotion of Fulbright program opportunities. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has recognized selected HBCUs over the past three years for their strong engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program.
The announcement of the 19 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders was made by the State Department as HBCU leaders prepare to gather in Washington, DC, virtually for the White House Initiative on HBCUs National HBCU Week Conference. Fulbright opportunities will be highlighted in events such as the career and recruitment fair during this week.
Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield commended the HBCUs receiving the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation this year, noting that “HBCUs are an important part of the American and global higher education communities, providing life-changing exchange opportunities for American and international students, faculty, and administrators alike.” She shared her hope that these institutions’ success encourages all HBCUs to engage further with Fulbright and with the State Department.
“The Fulbright Scholars Program enables us to give our students international exposure,” said JCU President Dr. Lester C. Newman. “Through this program, we are able to provide them with a cultural experience and academic enrichment from abroad. Last year, we welcomed Fulbright Scholars to Jarvis from Tanzania, Tunisia, and Taiwan.
“Our Jarvis students benefited by taking introductory classes in Swahili, Arabic, and Mandarin Chinese,” Newman said. “This year, we have welcomed two more Fulbright Scholars from Morocco and Kenya. Our Jarvis students are able to think more globally having met these scholars and many have ideas of traveling someday after their interactions with these Fulbright scholars.”
On November 3, a Fulbright HBCU Virtual Workshop will feature representatives of Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders sharing best practices for HBCUs to leverage Fulbright Program engagement to support students and faculty, increase campus internationalization, and build global networks. This event is open to the public and is specifically designed for HBCU faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. Since its inception over 75 years ago, the Fulbright Program has given over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds and fields the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to important international problems.
