USF World News

The University of South Florida is once again among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars

2023-2024 Fulbright Scholar Top Producer badge

TAMPA, Florida (February 13, 2024) -- The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized the University of South Florida (USF) as a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars. USF is ranked among the top ten universities nationally for the number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Eight (8) scholars from USF received Fulbright awards for academic year 2023-24. USF faculty Fulbright recipients travel to partner universities around the world to conduct research, engage in teaching, and forge lasting relationships that translate into innovative avenues for research and novel ways of bringing the world into the classroom or laboratory. 

USF’s Fulbright Scholars represent a variety of academic disciplines, including anthropology, geosciences, mathematics and statistics, music, pharmacy and religious studies. “USF’s commitment to supporting faculty participation in the Fulbright program supports our strategic goal of investing in high-impact partnerships that benefit society,” USF President Rhea Law said. “Faculty who participate in Fulbright experiences bring the benefits of global partnerships back to USF and these relationships enhance student research and learning.” 

Fulbright Scholars gain new insights and experiences that can be integrated into their research endeavors as well as into the courses they teach at USF. Fulbright recipients also establish global partnerships that last long beyond their time in-country. Such relationships provide additional benefits for USF through opportunities for the exchange of ideas, research collaboration, and faculty and student mobility. Fulbright scholars and their host universities are important members of USF’s global community.

“The Fulbright program offers faculty from USF, and from abroad, the opportunity to collaborate on cutting-edge research with peers from around the world,” Provost Prasant Mohapatra said. “Because a strong partnership is at the heart of every Fulbright exchange, the relationships established endure and grow into sustainable networks of researchers.”

Anthropology Professor Tara Deubel’s Fulbright experience in Morocco evolved into an international research experience for students funded by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Judithanne Scourfield-McLauchlin’s Fulbright experience in Moldova led to a virtual global classroom initiative that benefits students studying law and politics – and also won Professor Scourfield-McLachlin national recognition.

“USF is extremely proud of our performance as an institution that consistently produces and supports an enviable number of Faculty Fulbright Scholars,” said Kiki Caruson, Vice President for USF World. “We take great pleasure in highlighting and celebrating the contributions of our Fulbright Scholars.” 

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbright alumni have included 41 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders and changemakers who build mutual understanding between the people of the United State and the people of other countries.  

For more information about the Fulbright Program at USF, visit the USF World Faculty Fulbright website.