UAA named top producer for U.S. Fulbright students

UAA was recently named among the 2010-2011 leading producers of U.S. Fulbright Students by the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program. Students receiving awards for this academic year applied through 600 colleges or universities. Four UAA students -- Amy Voss, Robin Ford, Charles Beattie and Melanie Clairmont Parrett -- won awards, placing UAA among the leaders of all universities and colleges that offer undergraduate and master's degree programs.

The Fulbright competition is administered at UAA through the University Honors College, which serves as the campus center for undergraduate research and experiential learning. "Opportunities for undergraduate research and faculty mentoring drive student success at UAA," said Ronald Spatz, dean of the University Honors College. "The devoted faculty mentors of these students, professors Natasa Masanovic and Susan Kalina, went the extra mile to help guide these students to this level of accomplishment."

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 300,000 participants, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. In the past 64 years, more than 44,000 students from the U.S. have benefited from the Fulbright experience.

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, composed of 12 educational and public leaders appointed by the U.S. president, formulates policies for the administration of the Fulbright Program, establishes criteria for the selection of candidates and approves candidates nominated for awards.

The Fulbright Program also awards grants to American teachers and faculty to conduct research and teach overseas. In addition, some 3,850 new foreign Fulbright students and scholars come to the United States annually to study for graduate degrees, conduct research and teach at U.S. universities, colleges and secondary schools.

Lists of Fulbright recipients are available at the Fulbright website. More information about UAA's University Honors College can be found at the Honors College website.