UNMC remains among leaders in Fulbright scholars

For the second consecutive year, UNMC has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program top-producing institution by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, UNMC ranks among the institutions that had the highest numbers of their scholars (faculty, researchers and administrators) awarded Fulbrights.

The Chronicle of Higher Education published the lists of recognized institutions in its online edition on Feb. 15. Of note, in response to COVID-19 program adaptations, the 2020-2021 top producing data reflects the total number of awards offered, rather than the number of awards accepted as has been the criteria in past years.
“We are honored and humbled to once again be recognized as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program top-producing institution for the second year in a row,” said Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. “This recognition is indicative of the importance the university places on leadership development, understanding other cultures and welcoming people from around the world. As we share our knowledge with these exceptional scholars, we often find that we benefit far more from these interactions.”
Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, noted that this recognition “shows UNMC’s commitment to being a campus that values the creative excellence and transformation that is sparked when people from diverse global backgrounds bring new ideas and experiences to our campuses.
“While they are here to learn from our faculty and staff, we are also benefitting from the unique insights and skills they bring to us,” Dr. Davies said. “Ultimately, every one of these scholars will become our ambassadors and alumni when they return to their countries, helping to forge even greater ties with their institutions and opening the doors to new collaborative opportunities and the next generation of scholars.”
For more than 20 years, UNMC has participated in the Fulbright program, hosting fellows from countries across the world. Currently UNMC has six enrolled Fulbright students from Cameroon, Congo, Grenada, Myanmar, Tanzania and Togo.
“UNMC’s mission is global, and we strive to expand our multicultural campus,” said Fulbright Scholar Program principal investigator Wael ElRayes, MBBCh, PhD. “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 across the globe.”
Being recognized as a top producer for the second year in a row is reflective of the growing interest of UNMC faculty in this elite program, which enhances the global presence and recognition of UNMC. This also strengthens the research, teaching and training connections between UNMC and other international institutions, Dr. ElRayes said.
Dr. ElRayes also serves as the UNMC Fulbright Scholar Liaison and the president of the board of the Nebraska Fulbright Chapter.
“This is the second consecutive year that UNMC has been awarded this recognition as one of the most globally engaged universities in the United States,” said Jane Meza, PhD, associate vice chancellor for global engagement. “Fulbright Scholars are always welcome at UNMC, thanks to the commitment to global engagement from our UNMC faculty, staff and students.”