����ֱ��

SALEM, MA — The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recently announced the U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2016-2017 Fulbright U.S. Scholars.  The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program.  Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Three scholars from ����ֱ�� were awarded Fulbright grants for 2016-2017, landing the university among the academic year’s Top Producers of Fulbright Scholars in its category (Master’s institutions). ����ֱ�� was also named a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars in 2011.

“The high quality of our faculty is visible throughout campus every day,” said Patricia Maguire Meservey, President of ����ֱ��. “This prestigious recognition speaks to the talent of our faculty and their ongoing commitment to continued scholarship through research and community involvement, both at home and around the globe.”

����ֱ��’s Fulbright Scholars for the 2016-2017 academic year include Kathi Crow, professor of mathematics, awarded a grant to complete a project in Jordan titled, “Inquiry Based Learning and Modern Algebra;” Vanessa Ruget, professor of political science, awarded a grant for a project in Kyrgyzstan titled, “Return Migration to Kyrgyzstan: A Political Perspective;” and Mary Ni, professor of education, counseling and guidance, awarded a grant for a project in China.

����ֱ�� faculty and staff who have received Fulbright scholarships in the past include Joseph Buttner (biology), Cleti Cervoni (education), Caitlin Corbett (dance), Sarah Dietrich (secondary and higher education), Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello (interdisciplinary studies), Kristin Esterberg (past provost and academic vice president), Thomas Hallahan (theatre and speech communications), Christopher Hudson (social work), Michele Louro (history), Zachary Newell (library, instructional and learning support), Patricia Ould (sociology), Michelle Pierce (adolescent education and leadership), Van Pham (economics), Allan Shwedel (education), Diane Sweet (Center for International Education), Gina Vega (management) (2), Pierre Walker (English), and Julie Whitlow (English). 

“Salem State’s faculty are some of the most prominent in their fields of study,” said David Silva, provost and academic vice president at ����ֱ��. “Whether overseas on Fulbright scholarships, completing other international research, sharing their work at conferences or engaging in the community, our faculty are constantly immersed in work that they can bring back to the classroom. What is most impressive is how Salem State faculty connect their scholarship to their coursework, mentoring and inspiring students.” 

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 370,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Over 1,100 U.S. college and university faculty and administrators, professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, and independent scholars are awarded Fulbright grants to teach and/or conduct research annually. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program operates in over 125 countries throughout the world. Lists of Fulbright Scholar recipients are available at: .

The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the United States Congress to the Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support.

In the United States, the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars administers and coordinates the activities relevant to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program on behalf of the Department of State, including conducting an annual competition for the scholarships. The Fulbright Program also awards grants to U.S. students and teachers to conduct research and teach overseas. In addition, some 4,000 new foreign Fulbright students and scholars come to the United States annually to study for graduate degrees, conduct research and teach foreign languages.

For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit .

###

����ֱ��, established in 1854, is a comprehensive, public institution of higher learning located approximately 15 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. One of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth, Salem State enrolls over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers 32 undergraduate programs and graduate programs that offer degrees in 24 fields. The university also has a continuing education division that offers both credit and non-credit programs. Known for the academic strength of its faculty, Salem State was named a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Scholars in 2011 and for the 2016-2017 academic year. The university is designated a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs, a Top College and University by Military Advanced Education, and a Best for Vets College by Military Times. In 2015 and 2016, Salem State was recognized as one of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth Institute and Boston Globe Magazine.