OSU leads state universities in Fulbright scholars and students in 2021-2022

Friday, March 3, 2023

Media Contact: Kelli Norton | Communication Specialist | 405-744-5496 | kelli.norton@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University was the top-producing institution in Oklahoma for the Fulbright Program for scholars and students for the 2021-2022 academic year according to the Fulbright webpage.

In 2022, OSU had four student applicants, with two receiving grants, surpassing the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. OSU currently has eight semi-finalists for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The U.S. Congress funds the Fulbright Program, which the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) manages. According to Cara Menasco Eubanks, associate director of development at the OSU Foundation and former academic programs coordinator at the School of Global Studies (SGS), the importance of the Fulbright Program should not be overlooked.

“At its core, Fulbright is a diplomacy tool, and a Fulbright award recipient essentially serves as an ambassador to their home institution, home state, and, most importantly, country,” Eubanks said. “Often when students and faculty go overseas for a Fulbright, study abroad or vacation, they only consider how that experience will impact them. Often not considered is the impact that experience will have on the people they interact with while abroad. Every person’s interaction abroad can shape foreign audiences’ and governments’ perceptions of our country. The more positive interactions we have, the more international people and governments like us, leading to people working together to solve global problems.”

Eubanks believes that OSU students and faculty stand out in the pool of other Fulbright applications because of its unique position as a land-grant university in middle-America.

Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost of global partnerships and dean of OSU Global, is proud that OSU has had more success with Fulbright this year than any other university in the state. He said it speaks well of OSU’s global reputation and the achievements of the faculty and students.

“OSU Global provides the campus organizational support for student and faculty Fulbright application process,” Kluver said. “We work with students and faculty to effectively compete in this very rigorous competition.”

Many notable and historical figures have been Fulbright alumni. Forty Fulbright alumni have served as heads of state or government, 62 have been awarded the Nobel Prize, and 89 have received Pulitzer Prizes.

“The Fulbright Award is the most recognizable distinction in international education and, as an award, is the best predictor of getting a Nobel Prize,” Kluver said. “When OSU students and faculty receive these awards, it recognizes their scholarly achievement and also raises the global profile of OSU.”

Story By: Kelli Leech, OSU Global Communication graduate assistant | kelli.leech@okstate.edu