The University of North Texas (UNT) has been recognized as a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for the third year in a row, underscoring its commitment to international academic exchange. The designation, awarded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, acknowledges Hispanic-Serving Institutions for their notable support of Fulbright exchange participants and their efforts to engage their community in global academic opportunities.
UNT President Harrison Keller emphasized the university’s focus on fostering global engagement, noting the significance of the designation in expanding international collaborations and providing transformative experiences for the UNT community.
The Fulbright program, known as the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange initiative, offers funding to faculty, staff, and students for teaching, studying, and conducting research abroad. Participation extends to graduating seniors, recent graduates, and current graduate students.
This year’s Fulbright cohort from UNT, considered one of the largest in university history, includes multiple faculty and students embarking on various international projects.
Among the Fulbright Scholar Program awardees, Kathryne Beebe, an associate professor of history, is conducting research and teaching in Austria, addressing gender and medieval studies. George James, Professor Emeritus of philosophy and religion, is studying environmental movements in India. Vladimir Shulaev, a professor of biological sciences, will work with Chilean universities on climate change studies, while Elyse Zavar will research Australia’s climate adaptation strategies.
The Fulbright Specialist Program includes studio art professor James Thurman, who conducted workshops in England on his eco-friendly material, ThurmaniteÒ.
Additionally, several UNT faculty participated in Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad, with Kimi King, Xiaohua Li, and Sarah Moore attending a seminar in Colombia focused on climate change and sustainability. Moore, along with Cindy Denmark, has been invited to continue projects in Norway.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program also features UNT graduates such as Stephanie Chavez in Israel, Ricardo Estrada in Germany, Javier Garcia Vasquez in Taiwan, Michael Lewis in Mexico, Charlotte MacDonald in Poland, and Matthew Nguyen in Vietnam pursuing various educational and research endeavors.
UNT supports Fulbright applicants through its Global Engagement Office. Faculty workshops and student informational sessions are regularly offered to encourage and assist potential applicants.