WKU News

WKU will celebrate the second annual Fulbright Week April 3-7 with events for prospective students and faculty.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program seeking to increase mutual understanding between Americans and the people of other countries. Established in 1946 by U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 grants annually in more than 160 countries.

Sponsored by the Office of International Programs and the Office of Scholar Development, the purpose of Fulbright Week is to raise awareness of opportunities through two programs falling under the umbrella of the Fulbright Program: the Fulbright Scholar Program and the  U.S. Student Program.

Fulbright Week faculty sessions

The Fulbright Scholar Program provides fully funded opportunities for faculty to conduct research, teach abroad or engage in collaborative projects overseas. As a catalyst for energizing research, connecting U.S. scholars with international colleagues, or broadening faculty members’ teaching with global perspectives, Fulbright Scholar alumni are strong advocates for the program and international education in general.

The Office of International Programs, in partnership with Faculty Fulbright Scholar Liaison Dr. Tony Harkins, associate professor in WKU’s Department of History, has organized a robust calendar of events geared toward prospective faculty members:

• Meetings with Fulbright Program Officer Meaghan Dolan, April 4-5, TBD, Honors College/International Center (HCIC) 1028. Faculty can click here or visit www.wku.edu/oip/wkufulbright to register by March 30.
• Fulbright Scholar Program Information Session, April 4, 1-2 p.m., HCIC 2017. Presentation led by Fulbright Program Officer Meaghan Dolan.
• WKU Fulbright Scholar Alumni Panel, April 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., HCIC 1011. Panelists include Dr. Kay Gandy, School of Teacher Education (South Africa, 2003 and 2006; Senegal 2016), Dr. Tony Harkins, History (Austria, 2012), Dr. Rebbecca Brown, English (India, 2013), and Dr. Saundra Ardrey, Political Science (South Africa, 2017). 
• Webinar: Fulbright Opportunities in the Western Hemisphere, April 5, 1-2 p.m. Hosted by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. Click here to register.
• Talk: Teaching and Researching American History in South Korea: Opportunities and Challenges. April 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Cherry Hall 227A. Presentation led by Dr. Young Hyo Lee, Professor at Channom National University in Gwanju, South Korea and Fulbright Visiting Scholar in the African and American Studies Department at Duke University.

Fulbright Week student sessions

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program funds an academic year abroad for graduating seniors and recent graduates to study for a degree, conduct a research or creative/performing arts project, or teach English. For student grantees, the experience can open doors to new avenues for research and creative activity or new professional directions. Win or lose, the application process alone can help students clarify future goals as well as craft more compelling graduate and professional school applications, enhancing their prospects for admission to more competitive programs.

Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith, Coordinator of International Scholarships in the Office of Scholar Development, will host five events related to the U.S. Student Program during Fulbright Week:

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Sessions, April 3 and 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m., HCIC 2016.
• Skype Q&A with Current WKU Fulbright Grantees, April 5, 8-9 a.m., HCIC 3001. Participants include Bailey Mack (English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia); Jessica Brumley (English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan); and Tyler Prochazka (Study/Research grantee at National Chengchi University in Taiwan).
• Skype Q&A with Current WKU Fulbright Grantees, April 5, 3-4 p.m., HCIC 2016. Participants include Ryan Vennell (Study/Research grantee in documentary filmmaking at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK); Brittany Broder (Study/Research grantee in nuclear waste management at École des Mines de Nantes, France); Jarred Johnson (English Teaching Assistant, Germany); Elizabeth Gribbins (English Teaching Assistant, Morocco); and Megan Skaggs (English Teaching Assistant, Guatemala).
• Strategies for Drafting a Personal Statement, April 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m., HCIC 2016. Prospective student applicants (particularly 2017 and 2018 graduates) are strongly encouraged to attend.

For a full calendar of events, visit: http://www.wku.edu/oip/wkufulbright/fulbright_week/fulbrightweek2017.php

About the Office of International Programs: The Office of International Programs supports the internationalization agenda of the university by creating opportunities for faculty and staff development in a global context and supporting the development of meaningful co-curricular programming for student, campus and community audiences. Contact: Anna Yacovone, (270) 745-3975.

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in national or international scholarships. Contact: Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith, (270) 745-5043.

Contact: Anna Yacovone, (270) 745-3975; or Melinda Grimsley-Smith, (270) 745-5043