Virginia State University has been named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader for 2024, marking its third consecutive year receiving this recognition from the U.S. Department of State.

The designation acknowledges HBCUs that demonstrate exceptional support for Fulbright participants and actively promote Fulbright programs on campus.

“To be recognized as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the third year in a row is a tremendous accomplishment for the University,” said Dr. Tia Minnis, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “Fulbright has brought new perspectives and opportunities to our community through international engagement and education.”

VSU has a history of active engagement in Fulbright initiatives, including hosting international educators and providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to study and teach abroad.

Recent notable examples include Hunter Mack, a former VSU football player and engineering major, who received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to the Czech Republic for the 2021-2022 academic year. Dr. Karl Jackson, associate professor of chemistry, served as a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana for the 2023-2024 academic year. Dr. Chevelle Hall, associate professor of sports Management, participated as a Fulbright Hays Scholar in Taiwan during summer of 2023, while Dr. Patricia Lynch, Associate Professor of Dietetics, completed a Fulbright Specialist award in Indonesia in January 2023.

The university has also hosted Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants from Mexico and Argentina, and welcomed Fulbright Visiting Scholar Dr. Shafaq Fatima from Pakistan.

“I have been incredibly proud to see VSU embrace the many opportunities available through the Fulbright program,” said Dr. Daniel Roberts, Dean of the Honors College and VSU’s Fulbright Campus Advisor. “Hosting Fulbrighters has been a valuable experience for our students and the entire campus community.”

The 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader announcement was made on September 10, ahead of the Annual National HBCU Week Conference hosted by the White House Initiative on HBCUs.

“[This] is a testament to your dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said in praising the recognized institutions.