Southwestern is proud to be named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for 2023. Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes the strong engagement of select HSIs with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. As one of the 46 HSIs honored, Southwestern exemplifies a deep commitment to international exchange and building lasting connections between the people of the United States and other countries.

Fulbright HSI Leaders demonstrate noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and promote Fulbright program opportunities on campus. This initiative serves as an encouragement for administrators, faculty, and students at HSIs to engage with the Fulbright program, shedding light on the academic excellence of HSIs as sought-after destinations for international students and scholars. The recognized institutions include just five Baccalaureate Colleges.

Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield commended the institutions receiving the Fulbright HSI Leader designation this year.

“Representation matters and pairing the world-class educational opportunities that Hispanic-Serving Institutions provide with the power of Fulbright further enriches the experience and educational opportunities for students and scholars both at home and abroad.”

In the last 15 years, Southwestern has had 16 students receive the prestigious award.

“Through the Fulbright program, our campus and community have experienced a profound transformation. The local impact of Fulbright resonates in the lives of our alumni who have ventured far and wide, returned as global citizens, and enriched our University with their experiences. These remarkable individuals exemplify the lasting benefits of international exchange and cultural immersion,” said President Laura Skandera Trombley.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. Government’s flagship international academic exchange program with a longstanding commitment to diversity, working to ensure that participants reflect the United States and societies abroad. The Fulbright Program works closely with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to promote international exchange opportunities for staff, students, and faculty at HSIs. This year’s Fulbright HSI Leaders were announced at the HACU Annual Conference. Fulbright also works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, the American Association of Community Colleges, Diversity Abroad, and many more organizations.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, artists, and teachers from all types of institutions the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters build connections, gain experience, exchange ideas, and address global challenges.

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide also provide direct and indirect support to the program.

Learn more about Fulbright at https://fulbrightprogram.org, including information about Fulbright’s efforts to further DEIA within the program and the Fulbright HSI Leaders initiative.