The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has named Metropolitan State University of Denver as a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Leader for 2023. The University was recognized for its noteworthy engagement in the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative.
The 2023 Fulbright HSI Leaders were announced at the annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities conference in Chicago on Oct. 30.
“Being named an HSI Leader for the Fulbright program is a testament to the incredible work that our faculty members, staff members and students are doing in our community and abroad,” said Manuel Del Real, Ph.D., executive director for HSI and Inclusion. “We have an opportunity to share best practices and research that will contribute to building a transnational coalition and increase our international relationships.”
ECA established the HSI Leader initiative and designation in 2021 to acknowledge the strong partnerships between the Fulbright Program and HSI-designated institutions. Along with 45 other 2023 HSI Leaders, MSU Denver is recognized for:
- The University’s support of Fulbright exchange participants.
- Making Fulbright program opportunities accessible to students, faculty and staff members.
- Demonstrating strength as a destination for international students and scholars.
Since first engaging with the Fulbright program in 1974, MSU Denver has remained an active participant. Twenty-six faculty members have traveled abroad as Fulbright Scholars, and the University has hosted two Visiting Scholars.
“Having access to Fulbright opportunities allows me to cultivate international academic partnerships, engage in cross-disciplinary research with international colleagues to improve the hospitality and tourism industry, and share my experience of living and working in Vietnam with MSU Denver students, faculty and staff, and other stakeholders,” said Eric Olson, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Rita & Navin Dimond Department of Hotel Management in the School of Hospitality. Olson was a Spring 2023 Fulbright Scholar to Vin University in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“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, in a statement.
Visit MSU Denver’s HSI webpage and attend a Nov. 9 Fulbright HSI Virtual Workshop designed for employees and stakeholders at HSIs to learn more.