The University of New Mexico has been named a Fulbright HSI Leader for the second year in a row by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This designation recognizes the noteworthy engagement that selected Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) have achieved with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program.
Fulbright HSI Leader status has been conferred on 43 HSIs, including UNM, because they have demonstrated noteworthy engagement with Fulbright exchange participants during the 2021-2022 academic year and have promoted Fulbright Program opportunities on campus.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs Ethan Rosenzweig, speaking on behalf of ECA, which sponsors the Fulbright Program, announced the Fulbright HSI Leaders on October 10 during an international plenary session at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) annual conference in San Diego.
In his remarks, DAS Rosenzweig noted the strong relationship between HSIs and the Fulbright Program stating, “The Fulbright Program’s success with HSIs is built on real collaboration with you and your institutions.” He thanked HSI leaders for their collaboration and for recognizing the value of the Fulbright Program in deepening campus internationalization efforts; and he recognized Fulbright campus liaisons and advisors for recruiting and advising applicants. He also commended current Fulbright participants and alumni from and hosted by HSIs for sharing “their expertise, experience, perspective, and enthusiasm with their institutions, their communities, and their societies.”
UNM has a strong Fulbright community, having produced 82 Fulbright awardees (50 faculty and 32 students) since 2010.
Just since 2019, UNM has also welcomed five visiting scholars from around the world to conduct advanced research and university lecturing in the United States.
"It is a great honor to be named a Fulbright HSI Leader again this year. The Fulbright U.S, Student Program has impacted our students' lives by providing opportunities to research, study, and teach English in the host countries." – UNM Fulbright Program Advisor Kiyoko Simmons
UNM is also pleased to recognize its Fulbright Award recipients for the 2022-23 academic year. Those include Ph.D. students Noelani Villa and Korey Tillman, who will continue their dissertation research in the host countries. It also includes three recent and new graduates, Solana Armijo, Arthur Lopez, and Jane Tabet-Kirkpatrick, who will serve as English Teaching Assistants in their host countries.
Additionally, the five faculty recipients include Professors Tanya Ivanova-Sullivan, John Barnes, Sally Seidel, Shihong Li, and Bridgit Lujan.
Faculty also are able to help students through the application process.
"We are fortunate to have an active Fulbright Association in New Mexico providing a valuable network for faculty and students who are interested in Fulbright programs," Simmons said.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also congratulated UNM. He said the accolade exemplifies a deep commitment to international exchange.
“University of New Mexico’s designation as a 2022 Fulbright HSI Institutional Leader recognizes your dedication to promoting global engagement and mutual understanding among peoples and nations.” – Secretary of State Antony Blinken
On Nov. 7, a Fulbright HSI Virtual Workshop will feature representatives of Fulbright HSI Leaders sharing best practices for HSIs to leverage Fulbright Program engagement to support students and faculty, increase campus internationalization, and build global networks. This virtual event is open to the public and while all are welcome, the session is specifically designed for HSI faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Institutions can sign up at the link here.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Since its inception over 75 years ago, the Fulbright Program has given over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds and fields the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad, exchanging ideas, and contributing to finding solutions to complex international challenges.
Each year, the U.S. Congress appropriates funds to the U.S. Department of State to sponsor the Fulbright Program. Many foreign governments contribute substantially as well. Additional funding and in-kind funding is provided by U.S. and foreign host institutions, non-governmental organizations, private organizations, corporate partnerships, and individual donors.
For more information on the Fulbright Program, visit The Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs’s site, and find out more about UNM’s opportunities here.