AU was among 19 universities—and just 13 doctoral institutions—to be named a top producer of Fulbright US student and scholar programs for 2024–25.

Twelve students and seven senior scholars from AU were selected for the government’s flagship international academic exchange program, administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

While AU has been recognized as a top producer of student Fulbrighters nine times over the last 13 years, this marks the first time the university has been named a top Fulbright-producing institution since at least 2009—as far back as records are available.

“AU has a storied tradition of producing top Fulbright talent—[Eagles] who are deeply committed to gaining a global understanding of learning, teaching, and research and to making an impact across our campus, DC, and the world,” says Monica Jackson, deputy provost and dean of faculty.

The Fulbright program was founded in 1946 to foster relations between the US and other countries after World War II. Since then, more than 400,000 students and scholars have been selected to study, teach, or conduct research abroad. 

Each year, Chris Swanson, associate director of AU’s Office of Merit Awards, and assistant director Lori Felton—both former Fulbrighters—guide students through the intensive application process. Altogether, 256 alumni have been selected for the yearlong program, which has partnerships with more than 140 countries. 

“I am tremendously proud of AU’s Fulbrighters,” says Swanson, who used the award to conduct doctoral research in Vienna. “As a group, we Fulbrighters see the world as perfectible and the future as something to look forward to. I think that ethos fits well with the spirit of our campus community.” 

Ethan Wong, SIS/BA ’23, used the Fulbright to pursue a master’s in peace and conflict studies at the University of Oslo; he earned it in August 2024. His thesis focused on how non-Arctic states impact the work of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum of eight nations based in Norway—and where he now works as a research associate.

“Norway is a leader in peace studies and research, so having access to those resources has been great,” Wong says. 

The Californian says he’s also proud to have contributed to AU’s recognition. “A lot of my professors and the Office of Merit Awards were instrumental in pushing me to apply for the Fulbright. The guidance and support they instill in students is fantastic.”