Nineteen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have received a noteworthy shoutout, as the government recently granted them the title of being “Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders.”
The news came earlier this week, and it was announced by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“This recognition is based on the strong partnership between the Fulbright Program and HBCUs during 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. In addition, this recognition delivers on the Department’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) both through policy and practice,” a spokesperson noted in the U.S. Department of State‘s announcement of the matter.
On Instagram, a Fulbright Program spokesperson also noted that this recognition is related to the institutions’ “notable engagement with the Fulbright program.”
The HBCUs in question include some well-known institutions like Howard, Florida A&M, Spelman, Morgan State, Tuskegee, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State, Texas Southern and Virginia State.
Other institutions include Alcorn State, Bennett College, Bluefield State, Huston-Tillotson, Central State, Jarvis Christian, Delaware State, Lincoln, Fayetteville State and Mississippi Valley State.
This brings the grand total up to 19 HBCUs, which are scattered between 13 different states and Washington, D.C.
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Lee Satterfield, the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, commended these aforementioned institutions.
“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,” Satterfield noted in a statement.
Satterfield also expressed hope that “these institutions’ success encourages all HBCUs to engage further with Fulbright and with the State Department.”
Some of the institutions commented on the news as well, with Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick tweeting, “Very proud of our scholars and their achievements!”
Very proud of our scholars and their achievements! Congratulations to Wen-kuni Ceant and Ashley Brown Grier. #Fulbright https://t.co/P1BZAZrMsV
— Wayne A. I. Frederick (@HUPrez17) September 19, 2022
“The @FulbrightPrgrm provides opportunities & resources to students for global exposure. We’re excited to be included,” a North Carolina A&T spokesperson wrote on Twitter.
The @FulbrightPrgrm provides opportunities & resources to students for global exposure. We’re excited to be included. https://t.co/0llzbJVeyL
— North Carolina A&T (@ncatsuaggies) September 19, 2022
Established back in 1946, the Fulbright Program is referred to as “the U.S. Government’s premier international academic exchange program” in the Department of State’s announcement, and it gives adventurous scholars the chance to further their studies while experiencing a new cultural experience.
You can learn more about the Fulbright Program here.
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