With a strong foundation in global engagement, MSU has established its position as a top 100 global research university by prioritizing international education, research and collaboration. Since 1949, MSU has mobilized these priorities by sending hundreds of graduate students, faculty and alumni on Fulbright awards all over the world and welcoming hundreds more to campus from other countries. In its 75th year, the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries, while promoting collaboration and the exchange of ideas. 

On Nov. 18, 70 former, current and prospective Fulbright students and scholars gathered during International Education Week for the first time to celebrate the long history and bright future of the Fulbright program at MSU. 

“Facilitating international educational opportunities that will have an impact on increasing global understanding, awareness and engagement is a critical element of MSU’s strategic plan,” said Steven D. Hanson, International Studies and Programs associate provost and dean. “Our deep roster of Fulbright students and scholars does just that, by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to campus.” 

Spurred by a desire to connect mid-Michigan Fulbright participants, the open house focused on building bridges and creating opportunity. Julie Taylor, Fulbright director of academic relations at the Institute for International Education, started the evening with a congratulatory video welcome. 

“You’re one of an elite group of institutions that have been dual top producers, meaning that you’ve topped the list for both U.S. student participants and U.S. scholar participants in both 2018 and 2021,” Taylor said. “Another way that MSU’s record really stands apart from other institutions is how fully your university engages all aspects of the Fulbright program.” 

Since 2015, MSU has welcomed 52 foreign language teaching assistants, 83 Fulbright foreign students, 44 visiting Fulbright scholars to East Lansing, and sent 39 Fulbright U.S. student participants and 47 U.S. scholar participants abroad. 

“This is a very impressive record and it demonstrates your commitment to bringing MSU to the world and the world to MSU,” Taylor said. “Fulbright is proud of our contribution to making Michigan State a preeminent global institution.” 

The event energized MSU Fulbrighters to move global collaboration forward by resolving to meet regularly.

“Our goal was to raise awareness about the partnerships Fulbright offers and develop connections that can last generations,” said Joy Campbell, MSU’s Fulbright program advisor. “Fulbrighters have a network tens of thousands people deep—there is remarkable opportunity in that.”

Smiles filled the room as Odhiambo Otieno, Swahili instructor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures and 2021-2022 Fulbright foreign language teaching assistant, told his story as the first person from his Kenyan village to go to university. Four of Otieno’s fellow villagers have followed in his academic footsteps, inspired by his experiences.

Participants leaned in intently to see the portrait photography of Peter Glendinning, professor of photography in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, Fulbright Scholar to South Africa, 2018-2019 and Fulbright Specialist Roster. Glendinning’s work was featured in the Fulbright 75 Virtual Art Exhibit and demonstrates the depth of Fulbright collaboration. 

“Whether in-bound or outbound, we know that distinguished programs like Fulbright significantly add to the vibrant, global MSU community of students and scholars who create new knowledge and explore innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems,” said Krista McCallum Beatty, director of the Office for International Students and Scholars.

On Nov. 30, the U.S. Department of State held a virtual celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about Fulbright at MSU, visit isp.msu.edu/fulbright.