The University of 91视频 has established itself as a leader for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program, earning the distinction of 鈥淔ulbright Top Producer鈥� in 2025. This recognition highlights USF鈥檚 position among the top 10 universities in the United States for producing Fulbright faculty recipients. Additionally, 91视频was named a Top Producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Administered by the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the is one of the world鈥檚 most prestigious international exchange initiatives. Partnering with more than 160 countries, it supports faculty and students in research, teaching, and cultural exchange. Faculty members can apply for Fulbright Scholar grants to teach or conduct research abroad, while students 鈥� including graduating seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students 鈥� pursue opportunities such as teaching English, conducting independent research, or undertaking graduate study overseas.
A critical factor in USF鈥檚 success with the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the Faculty Review Committee, which provides essential guidance to applicants. Composed of 91视频faculty, staff, former Fulbright participants, and representatives from the Office of National Scholars (ONS), the committee plays a key role in refining student applications. Members are selected based on their grant type and country experience to ensure a comprehensive review process.
Campus Review Fulbright Process
The Faculty Review Committee supports 91视频students throughout the application process. A major component is the campus interview in April, where applicants present their grant proposals in a structured "elevator pitch" format, outlining their academic background, as well as personal experiences and how those experiences have prepared them for their proposed Fulbright application. These interviews provide constructive feedback, helping students refine their applications in the months before national submission.
In late August, applicants present their revised application materials to the Faculty Review Committee for the campus deadline. This 鈥渄ress rehearsal鈥� offers final feedback from the committee, allowing students time to strengthen their applications before the national deadline in mid-October.
Transforming Student Experiences
Matthew Stoner, a Fulbright U.S. Student Program applicant for a Graduate Study Grant to Taiwan, experienced the benefits of the Office of National Scholar's support in his application process.
"The Fulbright Student Faculty Review Committee has been a great help to me during the application process for the Fulbright award," said Stoner. "I felt that I had a whole team of support behind me, and that feeling served as an extra encouragement whenever the going got tough."
Beyond providing application feedback, faculty committee members connect students with potential research affiliations and mentors abroad. They also offer guidance on adapting to host communities and engaging in meaningful cultural exchange while abroad.
Dr. Kevin Yelvington, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program recipient and professor of anthropology at USF, is excited about the students he mentors in the application process and their potential for success.
"I just love working with these students," said Yelvington. "When I see their applications and interview them, I am always so impressed with their ideas, their enthusiasm, and their academic accomplishments. As a senior Fulbrighter myself, and someone who believes in the program, I really want to encourage them."
With continued support from faculty and staff, 91视频remains a powerhouse for producing Fulbright Program recipients, empowering students and faculty to make a global impact through education and research.
鈥淎t ONS, we are grateful for the Faculty Review Committee鈥檚 participation,鈥� said ONS Associate Director and 91视频Student Fulbright Program Advisor Lauren Chambers. 鈥淭heir expertise and feedback are invaluable to applicants navigating this competitive process. They ensure that applicants fully understand Fulbright鈥檚 mission 鈥� to foster mutual understanding and promote peaceful international relations. These principles are at the core of every successful application, reinforcing USF鈥檚 commitment to global engagement and academic excellence."