In 2024, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has honored Jarvis Christian University with the designation of Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the third consecutive year. This recognition highlights the university’s significant involvement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange initiative. Jarvis Christian University was also named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader in 2022 and 2023.
The designation of Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders underscores the strong support these institutions provide to Fulbright exchange participants and their efforts to promote Fulbright program opportunities on their campuses. It also demonstrates the appeal of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as destinations for international students and scholars, showcasing their rich intellectual traditions and history to global audiences.
As part of its commitment to international language and cultural education, Jarvis Christian University is hosting two Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) this year. This initiative supports the university’s goal of enhancing cultural exchange and language education for its students, regardless of their ability to travel abroad.
Jarvis Christian University President Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host Fulbright Scholars. “We are honored to host Fulbright Scholars from abroad for their impact in sharing their languages, expertise, and cultures with us throughout the academic year,” Dr. Lee-Pruitt said. “Our students have benefitted from taking language classes in Arabic, Mandarin, and Swahili these past two years, and our alumni, faculty, and staff enjoy engaging with the Fulbright Scholars to make their time a true cultural exchange.”
Since 2021, Jarvis has hosted Fulbright Scholars from Taiwan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, and other countries. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the university will welcome two Fulbright Scholars from Tanzania and Egypt.
The announcement of the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders was made on September 10, 2024, prior to the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference, hosted 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 congratulated the HBCU Institutional Leaders, noting that the designation reflects their commitment to global engagement and international understanding. Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the importance of HBCU participation in the Fulbright Program in building meaningful global relationships.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, has provided over 400,000 individuals with opportunities to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. It aims to foster international understanding and address global challenges through the exchange of ideas and building of people-to-people connections.
The Fulbright Program is funded by the U.S. Government and supported by participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide. It collaborates with various organizations, including the White House Initiative on HBCUs, Diversity Abroad, UNCF, HACU, and others, to promote diversity and cultivate global relationships.
