UTSA named Fulbright HSI Leader for third straight year

Fulbright awardee Paula Canales '18, M.A. '22 in Bahrain as an English Teaching Assistant

For the third consecutive year, UTSA has been named a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) Leader by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The designation recognizes the university’s significant engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. UTSA is one of 51 colleges and universities nationwide to be recognized in 2024. 

The Fulbright Program provides students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds and fields with transformative study abroad opportunities. Participants study, teach and conduct research in over 160 countries while building meaningful connections, engaging with different cultures and perspectives and working to address complex global challenges. The program also aims to support peaceful international relations.  

Throughout the university’s history, 24 UTSA students have received a Fulbright award and over 75 UTSA faculty have received the Fulbright U.S. Scholar award. 

According to Drew Chapman, assistant dean of the Honors College, student participation in Fulbright programs has grown consistently at UTSA over the past few years. Chapman also serves as director of the UTSA Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA), which provides students with information and guidance when applying for Fulbright and a variety of other awards, scholarships, and research and study abroad programs.    

“This past fall, 23 UTSA students applied to the Fulbright Student Program, which is UTSA’s highest number of applicants. In the past five years, students from all UTSA colleges have won Fulbright awards,” Chapman said. “In ONCA, we are working with faculty and staff across the university to promote Fulbright in academic programs, in courses, and in advising. We are so excited to see a Fulbright culture develop at UTSA, and our students have shown that they can win these awards.” 

The Fulbright Program also provides UTSA faculty with opportunities to teach and advance their research abroad, while further growing the university’s international presence.   

“Fulbright awards are one of the most powerful avenues for our faculty to increase their global engagement and, in doing so, globalize the university,” said Jason Yaeger, senior associate dean for research and graduate studies and UTSA President’s Endowed Professor of Anthropology. “These awards are true game changers – they allow UTSA faculty members to immerse themselves in their host country and become part of the intellectual communities there.” 

More than 400,000 people have participated in the Fulbright Program since its founding in 1946. The program awards approximately 9,000 grants annually to participants from around the world.   

The growth of the Fulbright Program and other global initiatives at UTSA demonstrates the university’s commitment to offering immersive learning opportunities at home and abroad. These programs promote students’ academic and holistic growth and help them develop into well-rounded leaders who are prepared for success in a global society. 

EXPLORE FURTHER

• Visit the Fulbright at UTSA website to learn about recent recipients and the application process for students and faculty.
• Read more: UTSA's Kristi Meyer receives Fulbright award to advance global opportunities for underrepresented STEM students 
• Discover more international opportunities available with UTSA Global Initiatives.