Huston-Tillotson University designated as a 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader
Wednesday Sep, 11 2024
HT one of 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities to receive this recognition
Austin, Texas – September 11, 2024 – Huston-Tillotson University (HT) was one of 19 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) recently announced as a 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) for demonstrating noteworthy engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2023-24 academic year.
The ECA established the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation in 2019 to recognize the strong partnerships between the Fulbright Program and selected HBCUs, and to encourage all HBCUs to increase engagement with Fulbright. The status also recognizes engagement with, and promotion of, the Fulbright Program by honoring HBCUs that both host international faculty and graduate students, and also send recent graduates, graduate students, faculty, and administrators overseas to study, teach, conduct research, or participate in seminars abroad through Fulbright.
“This initiative is part of the U.S. State Department’s long-standing commitment to build diversity and inclusion within the Fulbright Program and within the Bureau’s exchange programs overall,” said Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for ECA.
“Huston-Tillotson University exemplifies a deep commitment to international exchange and to building lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries,” said U.S. Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken. “This designation is a testament to your institution’s dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding,” he added.
“We are deeply honored that Huston-Tillotson University has been named one of only 19 HBCUs to receive this distinction” said HT President Melva K. Wallace. “This recognition underscores our commitment to global engagement and academic excellence, and it reflects the incredible potential of our students and faculty to contribute on a worldwide scale.
“Also, we are pleased to welcome to our campus Ms. Hsin-Feng Yang, a Fulbright Language Teacher Assistant (FTLA) from Taiwan, who will be teaching Chinese I and II this academic year,” Wallace added.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has given over 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals from all backgrounds and diverse institutions the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges.
Fulbright visiting students and scholars contribute to HBCUs’ international networks and create long-term collaborations. Engagement with Fulbright bolsters institutional internationalization strategies and supports curriculum needs when Fulbrighters and program alumni share their expertise, establish international research partnerships, and build international networks.
Faculty members who have Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards return from their grant experiences and enrich their campus culture, students and curriculum, and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides recent alumni and graduate students with opportunities to gain valuable international perspectives and experiences.
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About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT is an independent, church-related, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu.
