Ten University of South Carolina students were named Fulbright U.S. Student finalists for 2020-21, earning the university elite status as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution and bringing its total number of student finalists to 120 since 2000. UofSC previously earned the top-producer designation in 2012.
Why it matters:
- The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for international graduate study, advanced research and teaching worldwide.
- Top Producer status is an achievement aligned with the university’s "A Path to Excellence" strategic plan, specifically President Caslen’s strategic priority No. 8, Win With Character.
- Fulbright attracts high-achieving students from all majors and disciplines, making it one of the most diverse fellowships UofSC students can apply for.
- Each year, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces the top-producing institutions for the Fulbright program with The Chronicle of Higher Education publishing the list annually.
- UofSC’s 2020 finalists will represent the university and the United States with distinction as cultural
ambassadors during the Fulbright Program’s 75th anniversary year.
- Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding, share knowledge across communities and improve lives around the world.
“Receiving a Fulbright grant to teach English in Estonia has been a tremendous opportunity to immerse myself in an education system that exemplifies a commitment to equity,” says Emily Herd, a 2020 Fulbright finalist and Honors College graduate. “My passion for education reform in the U.S. has been reignited by the level of excellence and equity in Estonian schools. I look forward to continuing my journey when I return to the states in a career focused on equitable education policies and practices.”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is administered at South Carolina by the university’s National Fellowships and Scholar Programs where applicants are supported by experienced and dedicated Fulbright faculty advisors Jeff Persels, Myriam Torres, Yvonne Ivory, Laura Kissel, Lucy Spence, Fred Myhrer and Tom Vogt. Additionally, more than 60 faculty and staff members served on campus evaluation committees.
In addition to the 10 finalists on the Columbia campus, the University of South Carolina Beaufort also had a Fulbright finalist in the category of bachelor's institutions.
“This recognition highlights our students’ commitment to leadership and service as well as the hard work of our national fellowships team and faculty in guiding our students through the Fulbright process,” says President Bob Caslen. “We are so proud of their accomplishments, and we’re excited to see the impact these students will have on the world.”