Virginia State University has been named a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution by the U.S. Department of State, the first time in the university’s history it has received the distinction.

The recognition honors colleges and universities with the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. For the 2025-26 academic year, three VSU scholars received Fulbright awards, the most among the 60 baccalaureate institutions recognized nationwide and the second-highest among historically Black colleges and universities. 

The selected scholars are Dr. Lisa M. Hopson, director of the Honors College, who will conduct programs in France and Senegal; Dr. Sarah M. Witiak, associate professor of biology, who will carry out research in Romania; and Dr. Daniel M. Roberts, dean of the Honors College, who will participate in a program in South Africa. 

“VSU’s recognition as a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution is further evidence of our growing national reputation in international education,” said Provost Tia A. Minnis. 

Hopson participated in the Fulbright HBCU International Administrators Program in 2025, spending several weeks in France and Senegal studying higher education systems. Witiak is conducting research on gall-inducing insects at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, through June. Roberts is participating in a Fulbright program in South Africa through July. 

VSU’s designation is separate from its Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader recognition, which the university has earned each of the past four years for supporting Fulbright participants and promoting program opportunities on campus.