JMU is top producer of Fulbright scholars

James Madison University is a top producer of Fulbright scholars according to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for master's-level institutions. Three scholars from James Madison University's were awarded Fulbright grants for 2016-17. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

"This recognition acknowledges all of the hard work multiple people have put in across the university to prepare our students and faculty to compete for this prestigious award. Through these cross-cultural experiences our students and faculty engage us with ideas and the world," said JMU President Jonathan Alger. 

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 370,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Over 1,100 U.S. college and university faculty and administrators, professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers and independent scholars are awarded Fulbright grants to teach and/or conduct research annually. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program operates in over 125 countries throughout the world. Lists of Fulbright Scholar recipients are available at: www.iie.org/cies.

In the United States, the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars administers and coordinates the activities relevant to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program on behalf of the Department of State. The Fulbright Program also awards grants to U.S. students and teachers to conduct research and teach overseas. In addition, some 4,000 new foreign Fulbright students and scholars come to the United States annually to study for graduate degrees, conduct research and teach foreign languages.

The Fulbright Scholar Program is supported at James Madison University through the Center for Faculty Innovation. Interested Faculty should contact  Assistant Director of the Center of Faculty Innovation Ed Brantmeier or go to the Fulbright Information page. Melinda Adams is the Fulbright Program Advisor for students. Interested students should contact Adams at adams2mj@jmu.edu. The support students and faculty receive through coaching, information sessions and support encourages and enables the high number of Fulbright Scholars.

For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright.