Fulbright at USF: Building a culture of global engagement

When the University of South Florida sent its first Fulbright U.S. Scholar abroad in 1962, few could have predicted the role the program would come to play in shaping the university's global identity. Today, Fulbright is woven into the fabric of USF, connecting students, faculty, and researchers with communities around the world while bringing international perspectives back to the University and the Tampa Bay region.

Founded in 1956, USF has either hosted or sent a Fulbright Scholar every year for more than five decades.

Founded in 1956, USF has either hosted or sent a Fulbright Scholar every year for more than five decades, with much of the university's growth with Fulbright occurring in recent years. Nearly 44% of all USF Fulbright Scholar awards have been earned within the last 10 years, and more than 80% of USF's student Fulbright awards have been awarded within the last 15 years. Since 2015, USF has consistently been recognized as a Top Producer of Fulbright Awards. 

That success did not happen by accident. It reflects a long-term commitment built around three key pillars: institutional prioritization, student and faculty support, and meaningful recognition of Fulbright achievements.

USF's investment in internationalization created fertile ground for Fulbright participation to flourish. The Office of National Scholars expanded outreach and advising for students interested in Fulbright opportunities, while USF World established a dedicated Faculty Fulbright Advisor position to guide faculty members through the application process. What began as strategic investments evolved into something even more powerful: a culture that values international engagement as a core part of the university's mission.

That culture is visible throughout the institution. USF's Faculty Fulbright Advisor Dr. Darlene DeMarie, herself a Fulbright Scholar to South Africa and Hungary, now conducts dozens of workshops and individual consultations each year, helping applicants identify opportunities that align with their expertise and professional goals. The results have been remarkable. USF was named the nation's top institution for Fulbright Scholar Awards in both 2016 and 2018 and is consistently recognized as a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars. 

Behind those achievements are generations of Fulbright alumni whose experiences continue to shape the university. Fulbright recipients hold leadership positions across USF, including President Moez Limayem, Vice President for USF World Kiki Caruson, and leaders throughout the Judy Genshaft Honors College, College of Education, Patel College for Global Solutions, and other academic units. Their experiences abroad continue to influence teaching, research, partnership development, and student mentoring across the university.

For many at USF, Fulbright's value extends beyond academic achievement. Charles Adams, Dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and a former Fulbright U.S. Scholar, often reflects on a conversation he had with Senator J. William Fulbright. The senator described the program's purpose in simple terms: bringing people together to share a meal, learn about one another, and build understanding that transcends national boundaries.

That philosophy of peace through education remains central to the program's mission and resonates strongly at USF.

Recognition plays a critical role in sustaining momentum. For nearly 15 years, USF has celebrated inbound and outbound Fulbright recipients at an annual international awards ceremony. At the event, scholars and students receive distinctive USF Fulbright medals featuring a green-and-gold ribbon inspired by USF’s school colors anchoring a medallion in the shape of a globe. The ceremony honors not only USF students and scholars heading abroad, but also Fulbright participants from around the world who have chosen USF as their host institution.

These celebrations not only highlight the importance of the Fulbright program at USF, but they also reinforce a sense of community among Fulbright alumni. At annual gatherings, faculty, students, visiting scholars, and community members share stories of their experiences abroad, reconnect with colleagues, and build relationships that often span generations. The university further supports international collaboration through initiatives such as the International Visiting Researcher Symposium, which provides visiting scholars opportunities to showcase their research and showcase their collaboration with USF colleagues. 

The impact of the Fulbright program is perhaps best illustrated through the individual stories that emerge from the Fulbright experience. Dr. DeMarie helped guide USF's rise as a national leader in scholar awards. Her Fulbright work in South Africa led to the creation of a child development center that continues to flourish years after the project concluded, inspiring research and opportunities that benefited local communities long after her return to the United States.

The student experience has grown just as dramatically. Between 1965 and 1999, only nine USF students participated in Fulbright programs. Since then, more than 90 students have earned awards, pursuing projects that range from teaching English language to dance and artistic endeavors to scientific research and conservation work across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

As Fulbright celebrates its 80th anniversary, USF continues to build upon this legacy through International Education Month each November. Students are encouraged to connect with international peers, explore study abroad and internship opportunities, engage with global alumni, and learn about funding opportunities for international experiences. Events ranging from Fulbright and Peace Corps alumni panels to global networking programs and cultural celebrations help introduce new generations of students to the possibilities that international education can offer.

More than sixty years after sending its first Fulbright Scholar abroad, USF's commitment to the program remains as strong as ever. What began as a series of strategic investments has grown into a vibrant community of globally engaged students, scholars, and leaders. Through the exchange of ideas, cultures, and experiences, Fulbright has helped extend USF's impact far beyond its campuses while bringing the world back to Tampa Bay.

At USF, Fulbright is more than a prestigious award. It is a tradition, a community, and a powerful reminder that meaningful relationships across borders remain one of higher education's most important contributions to a more connected world.

• Faculty Fulbright Opportunities
• Student Fulbright Opportunities