Florida Atlantic University has been named as a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for 2024. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

Florida Atlantic University has been named as a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for 2024.

Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognizes select HSIs for their strong engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. This is the second time that FAU has been featured as part of this initiative – the first being in 2023.

“Florida Atlantic is proud to be named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution Leader for the second year in a row,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “This esteemed designation affirms our commitment to providing global opportunities and ensuring success for all. I am grateful to all of our outstanding students, faculty and staff members who continue to build meaningful academic bridges around the world.”

The 51 recognized colleges and universities for 2024 include seven associates colleges, five baccalaureate colleges and special focus institutions, 10 master’s colleges and universities, and 29 doctoral universities. The awardees were announced during the International Plenary Session of the annual conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Since 2019, 13 Fulbright Student Scholars from FAU have participated in this prestigious program. Concurrently, students from other countries have also been hosted at FAU through the Fulbright international academic exchange program. This year alone, FAU is hosting four Fulbright Student Scholars from Costa Rica, Zambia, Germany and Italy, with new invitations already extended for the upcoming year.

FAU student Allison Centeno Chaves from Heredia, Costa Rica, is one of the four students. She is pursuing a master’s degree in marine science and oceanography at FAU’s School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

“The Fulbright Program has given me the chance to advance my studies in marine science and oceanography while building valuable connections with inspiring researchers and professionals,” she said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent my country, Costa Rica, and to contribute to meaningful work that addresses global challenges in ocean science and conservation.”

In addition to students, 14 outgoing FAU faculty scholars have traveled to Belgium, Spain, Rwanda, Vietnam, Kenya, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Taiwan and other countries since 2019.

Among that group is Jean-Martin Caldieron, Ph.D, an associate professor in the School of Architecture within FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. He is currently conducting impactful work at the Centre de Recherches Architecturales et Urbaines at the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and teaching at the Abidjan School of Architecture, in Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa.

“As a Fulbright Scholar for one year each in Mozambique in 2019, and now in Côte d'Ivoire this year, I have witnessed firsthand how global education can transform lives,” said Caldieron. “Working with students and communities in self-built settlements has shown me the incredible synergy that emerges when we blend sustainable building techniques with local traditions. The proposed projects equip students with invaluable hands-on skills and empower residents of self-build communities and informal settlements to create resilient, self-sustained environments, transforming the lives of impoverished people. It has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career – proof of how learning and community engagement can leave a lasting global impact.”

Since its founding in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds and in all fields with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbright Scholars exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex address global challenges.

“FAU is committed to increasing global engagement opportunities for FAU faculty, staff and students through prestigious fellowships such as Fulbright,” said Madison McShane, M.ED., FAU’s director for Education Abroad. “We are proud to be recognized for the second year in a row as a top Fulbright HSI producer for the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It has been our privilege to support the FAU community through global research, teaching and study abroad experiences.”

Scott Weinhold, senior bureau official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, commended the 2024 Fulbright HSI Leaders for their support of the Fulbright Program.

 “Fulbrighters from HSIs contribute to the program’s goal of reflecting the full diversity, perspectives and talents of the American people,” said Weinhold.

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program. Learn more about Fulbright at www.fulbrightprogram.org, including Fulbright’s commitment to DEIA within the program and about how HSIs engage with Fulbright.

For more information, to host a Fulbright scholar or apply for opportunities, contact Izabela Iem at mailto:globalservices@fau.edu. For more information on upcoming Fulbright activities during International Education Week (Nov. 18-22), visit this link.

-FAU-