OSU’s Delatte named Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador
Monday, May 4, 2026
Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu
Dr. Norb Delatte, a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Oklahoma State University, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador, a highly competitive honor that positions him among a small group of scholars nationwide working to expand international academic exchange.
The Fulbright Scholar Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, supports more than 800 U.S. faculty and professionals each year to teach and/or conduct research in more than 135 countries around the world. To support this goal, the Institute of International Education launched the Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador Program.
Selected from more than 135 applicants, Delatte is one of just 12 ambassadors in the current cohort and is one of only two representing engineering disciplines. The appointment recognizes his longstanding commitment to global collaboration, teaching and research, as well as his recent experience as a Fulbright Scholar.
The Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador Program is designed to increase awareness of Fulbright opportunities and strengthen the quality of applications across higher education institutions. Ambassadors serve as national advocates for the program, engaging faculty and students through outreach, mentorship and professional engagement.
“After going through orientation, it became clear just how impactful this role can be,” Delatte said. “It’s an opportunity to help others see how international experiences can fit into their academic and professional goals.”
Over the next two years, Delatte will collaborate with colleagues on campus and at institutions across the region to promote Fulbright programs. Efforts will include campus presentations, conference outreach and one-on-one mentoring to guide prospective applicants through the process.
A key focus of the role is helping faculty identify opportunities that align with their expertise and career goals.
“There are hundreds of Fulbright awards available, but selecting the right one and preparing a strong application requires thoughtful planning,” Delatte said. “I want to help people navigate that process and feel confident pursuing it. I think that if you’re passionate about teaching, research and international travel, this can be a real boost to your career.”
The appointment builds on Delatte’s recent experience as a Fulbright Scholar in Italy, where he lived and worked while teaching, conducting research and building international partnerships in structural engineering.
“Living abroad provides a completely different perspective than short-term travel,” Delatte said. “You’re immersed in the academic environment and the culture, which leads to meaningful collaboration and long-term connections.”
While in Italy, Delatte worked closely with faculty at the University of Naples Federico II and other institutions, focusing on shared challenges in structural safety and natural hazards. His work explored how engineers across different regions address risks such as earthquakes, volcanic activity and extreme weather, issues that parallel challenges in the United States.
“In Italy, they are dealing with earthquakes and volcanoes. In Oklahoma, we think about tornadoes and other hazards,” Delatte said. “The opportunity to exchange ideas and approaches strengthens the field as a whole.”
Beyond research and teaching, the experience also allowed Delatte to represent OSU on a global stage, helping raise awareness of the university and its academic strengths.
“In many cases, people hadn’t heard of Oklahoma State or even Oklahoma,” he said. “That makes these experiences even more important. They help build international visibility and open doors for future collaboration.”
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious international exchange programs in the world, Fulbright benefits both individuals and institutions by fostering collaboration, cultural exchange and academic excellence.
“There’s no reason Oklahoma State can’t be a stronger participant in Fulbright programs,” Delatte said. “If people are aware of the opportunities and have the right support, we can grow our presence.”
As part of his ambassador role, Delatte will also emphasize the importance of early preparation for applicants. The annual Fulbright application deadline typically falls in mid-September, but the process of developing a strong proposal, including securing international partners, can take months.
“If you wait until late summer, it’s too late,” he said. “These applications require time to build relationships and put together a compelling project.”
Delatte also hopes to share the broader personal and professional value of the Fulbright experience, noting its potential to shape careers and perspectives.
“It’s not just about research or teaching,” he said. “It’s about building connections — both professional and personal — that can last a lifetime.”
Through his work as a Fulbright Ambassador, Delatte aims to inspire more OSU faculty and students to pursue international opportunities and to strengthen the university’s role in global academic engagement.
“I’m a structural engineer, so I build bridges,” he said. “This is just another way to do that — connecting people, ideas and institutions across the world.”
Faculty interested in learning more about Fulbright opportunities are encouraged to connect with Delatte for guidance and support.
To learn more about the Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassadors Program, visit: https://fulbrightscholars.org/alumni-ambassadors