UNMC has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2019-2020 academic year by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
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UNMC is included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities because it is recognized for producing the most Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the academic year. The Chronicle of Higher Education published the lists of recognized institutions in its online edition on Feb. 10.
UNMC will be formally recognized at a reception being held on Feb. 18 in Washington, D.C. at the Association of International Education Administrators annual conference.
“We are honored and humbled to be recognized as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2019-2020 academic year,” said Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This recognition is indicative of the importance the university places on collaboration, understanding other cultures and welcoming people from around the world. As we share our knowledge with these exceptional scholars, we often find that we receive much more from these interactions.”
For more than 20 years, UNMC has participated in the Fulbright program, hosting fellows from countries across the world. Currently UNMC has 12 enrolled Fulbright students from Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, Niger, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
“UNMC’s mission is global and we strive to expand our multicultural campus,” said Fulbright Scholar Program principal investigator Wael ElRayes, M.B.B.Ch., Ph.D. “Expanding our Fulbright program perfectly aligns our global mission with that of Fulbright and helps our institution expand its global footprint to build cultural bridges and establish permanent scientific collaborations.”
Being recognized as a top producer for this elite program enhances the global recognition of UNMC and increases the interest of students and scholars to study at and collaborate with UNMC, Dr. ElRayes said.
Dr. ElRayes also serves as the UNMC Fulbright Scholar Liaison and the president of the board of the Nebraska Fulbright Chapter. His co-principal investigator for the Fulbright Scholar Program is Nizar Wehbi, M.D.
“UNMC is very pleased to receive this designation as a top Fulbright producing school,” said Dele Davies, M.D., UNMC senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Participation in this program has enabled us the opportunity to host extraordinary students, faculty and researchers from around the world, as well as send our own students and faculty overseas. These interactions have greatly enriched our campus and made us a much more vibrant community as we fulfil our mission of leading the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for individuals and communities everywhere.”
Marie Royce, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, said the colleges and universities being honored reflect the geographical and institutional diversity of higher education in the United States.
“In supporting their faculty and administrators who pursue Fulbright awards, these institutions benefit from new viewpoints from abroad and new international collaborations, which often lead to discoveries and breakthroughs that have a global impact,” Royce said.
“This designation recognizes that UNMC is one of the most globally engaged universities in the United States,” said Jane Meza, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for global engagement. “Thanks to the UNMC colleges, faculty, staff and students, Fulbright Scholars are welcome at UNMC.”
Well done!