VSU Earns Third Consecutive "Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader" Recognition

The University continues to be recognized for fostering global opportunities and academic excellence through the Fulbright Program.

Virginia State University is proud to announce that it has been named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader for 2024, marking the third consecutive year the University has earned this prestigious achievement. This recognition from the U.S. Department of State underscores VSU’s continued leadership in global education and commitment to international engagement.

Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes HBCUs that demonstrate exceptional support for Fulbright participants and actively promote Fulbright programs on campus.

“To be recognized as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the third year in a row is a tremendous accomplishment for the University,” said Dr. Tia Minnis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Fulbright has brought new perspectives and opportunities to our community through international engagement and education. We are thrilled to be part of the Fulbright network and look forward to further enriching our campus through its programs.”

VSU has a long history of active engagement in Fulbright initiatives, hosting international educators and providing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to study and teach abroad. Some recent notable examples include:

• Hunter Mack, a former VSU football player and engineering major (2020), received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to the Czech Republic during the 2021-2022 academic year. His experience was profiled by Fulbright and recognized as one of their top alumni stories.

• Dr. Karl Jackson, Associate Professor of Chemistry, served as a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana for the 2023-2024 academic year, with his work featured on the Fulbright website.

• Dr. Chevelle Hall, Associate Professor of Sport Management, participated as a Fulbright Hays Scholar in Taiwan during the summer of 2023.

• Dr. Patricia Lynch, Associate Professor of Dietetics, completed a Fulbright Specialist award in Indonesia in January 2023.

VSU has also hosted Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants, including Ms. Diana Martinez (Mexico, 2022-2023), Ms. Luciana Alberio (Argentina, 2023-2024), and Mr. Jesus Gomez (Mexico, 2024-2025).

The University also welcomed Fulbright Visiting Scholar Dr. Shafaq Fatima to its campus through the Outreach Lecturing Fund. During her visit, which coincided with the Virginia State Fair, Dr. Fatima from Pakistan, collaborated with the College of Agriculture, sharing insights into women’s roles in sustainable farming. She also engaged with the public, students, and faculty in discussions about Pakistan and its culture. An article about her experience can be found at this link.

Additionally, within the past year, Dr. Tracy Walker, Professor of Education Leadership, was selected as a Fulbright Specialist. Dr. Chevelle Hall, Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education, received a Fulbright Supplemental Fellowship. And, Professor Anne-Marie Turnage, Professor of Geography, completed a Fulbright Hays Fellowship in Tanzania over the summer.

“I have been incredibly proud to see VSU embrace the many opportunities available through the Fulbright program,” said Dr. Daniel Roberts, Dean of the Honors College and VSU’s Fulbright Campus Advisor. “Hosting Fulbrighters has been a valuable experience for our students and the entire campus community. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Fulbright and strengthening our internationalization efforts.”

The 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader announcement was made on September 10, ahead of the Annual National HBCU Week Conference hosted by the White House Initiative on HBCUs. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken praised the recognized institutions, stating that the designation “is a testament to your dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding.”

VSU remains committed to working with Fulbright to offer transformative educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff.