Once again, FAMU has been honored with the prestigious title of Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader for 2024. This recognition is bestowed annually by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to acknowledge the significant involvement of HBCUs with the Fulbright Program, the nation's premier international academic exchange initiative.
The Fulbright Program, which is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program, aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. HBCU Institutional Leaders are distinguished for their exceptional support of Fulbright exchange participants and for fostering a culture of global engagement among their administrators, faculty, and students.
The announcement of FAMU's designation as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader was made on September 10, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference, organized by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken extended his congratulations to FAMU and other HBCU Institutional Leaders, highlighting that this accolade is "a testament to your institution's dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding."
Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, underscored the importance of HBCU participation in the Fulbright Program, stating that it helps to reflect the full diversity of the United States and "builds meaningful relationships between communities and people around the world."
Weinhold also praised HBCUs for their critical role in America's higher education landscape, noting that they are "dedicated institutions working to develop the leaders of tomorrow."
FAMU's recognition as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader is a testament to its commitment to international education and its efforts to create a global campus community. This achievement not only highlights FAMU's contributions to the Fulbright Program but also reinforces its status as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural exchange within the HBCU community.