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Feb. 26, 2025

MSU recognized as a ‘Fulbright Top Producing Institution’

Michigan State University has been recognized as a “Fulbright Top Producing Institution” for the Fulbright U.S. Students in 2024-25 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In total, 10 MSU students and alumni were offered Fulbright awards with nine accepting.

“I’m thrilled that MSU has received this honor. These are incredibly competitive awards and to have 10 students offered Fulbright grants shows the outstanding caliber of our applicants,” said Joy Campbell, MSU’s Fulbright Program advisor.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international education program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world.

“Michigan State is committed to providing opportunities where all Spartans become global leaders, where their understanding of the human experience extends beyond domestic borders. The 2024-25 Fulbright Student finalists represent the very best of what MSU offers and our role as a proudly public global institution,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.

The 2024-25 MSU Fulbright U.S. Student Program finalists represent six degree-granting MSU colleges.

Research project awards

Graham Diedrich, 2021 and 2023 graduate, College of Natural Science and College of Social Science (Greece and Bulgaria)

Katie McGraw, 2024 graduate, College of Natural Science (Malawi)

Nan Nourn, current doctoral student, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Natural Science (Cambodia)

English teaching assistantship awards

Liam Donahue, 2024 graduate, James Madison College and College of Arts and Letters (Germany)

Truman Forbes, 2024 graduate, Honors College, James Madison College and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Rwanda)

Zoe Pride, 2022 and 2024 graduate, College of Arts and Letters (Switzerland).

Nolan Rachocki, 2024 graduate, James Madison College and College of Arts and Letters (Switzerland)

Xue Lin Wang, 2019 graduate, College of Social Science (Taiwan)

Isabella Williams, 2021 graduate, College of Arts and Letters and College of Education (Spain)

Caroline Zackerman, 2024 graduate, Honors College and College of Arts and Letters (Spain)

In addition to students, five faculty scholars from four MSU colleges were selected for Fulbright awards for the 2024-25 academic year:

Sarah Fitzpatrick, College of Natural Science (Ecuador)

David MacFarlane, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Mexico and Italy)

Phanikumar Mantha, College of Engineering (India)

Robert Pennock, Lyman Briggs College (India)

Tom Voice
, College of Engineering (India)

The Fulbright Program has long been an integral part of MSU’s international engagement. MSU has produced Fulbright Scholars every year since 1950.

“Spartans are committed to addressing issues that impact people and places around the world,” said Titus Awokuse, vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs. “In addition to helping advance important research discoveries, students and scholars also engage in activities that help transform lives in their host communities. The Fulbright Program provides access to invaluable cross-cultural experiences that can shape their future careers.”

The Fulbright Scholar competition for the 2025-26 academic year opened Feb. 18. The next Fulbright Student Program cycle for students and recent graduates opens April 1, 2025. For more information about MSU’s Fulbright programs and dates of upcoming information sessions, contact Joy Campbell. Read Campbell's Staff voice: Guiding students through the Fulbright process.

By: Beth Brauer

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