The U.S. Department of State announced on Oct. 30 that Fresno State has been designated a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Leader for 2023, along with 45 other colleges and universities. The announcement took place at the International Plenary Session of the annual conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, held in Chicago.
Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognizes the strong engagement of select Hispanic-Serving Institutions with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program.
“Fresno State takes immense pride in receiving the Fulbright HSI Leader designation. Our commitment to international exchange and global perspective is unwavering,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This designation provides Fresno State with impressive visibility, which will be crucial in applying for and obtaining significant grants that will further much-needed research in critical areas. Likewise, the program has expanded our university’s horizons while contributing to the richness of our local communities by creating a more interconnected world — right here in our Central Valley!”
The universities selected demonstrate noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and promote Fulbright program opportunities on campus. The initiative encourages administrators, faculty and students to engage with Fulbright and highlights the strength of Hispanic-Serving Institution as destinations for international students and scholars. Fresno State is new to the list this year.
The recognized colleges and universities include two associate colleges, five baccalaureate colleges and special focus institutions, 14 master’s colleges and universities and 25 doctoral universities.
“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, said Lee Satterfield, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs:
On Nov. 9, the U.S. Department of State will host a virtual workshop featuring representatives from select colleges and universities to share best practices to engage and support students and faculty, increase the global footprint on campus through the Fulbright Program, host international Fulbright students and scholars, and build international networks. This event is open to the public and is specifically designed for faculty, staff and stakeholders at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Dr. Mildred García, chancellor of the 23-campus California State University, is a Fulbright alum to Jordan, Oman and France.
“I know first-hand how traveling abroad…in a new culture and country transforms you,” García said. “The Fulbright programs continued to fuel my passion to provide international experiences to those students who would never be able to reach them. One of the goals of my presidencies was to provide short-term international experiences for these students.”
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 to promote international exchange opportunities for staff, students and faculty at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
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 around the world provide support to the program.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, artists and teachers the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters build connections, gain experience, exchange ideas and address global challenges.
