By Kyle Johnson, Texas A&M University Global Engagement 

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Nov. 3, 2024 – Texas A&M University is proud to be named as a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Leader for 2024. Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes select HSIs for their strong engagement of with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program.

Fulbright HSI Leaders demonstrate noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and encourage administrators, faculty, and students at HSIs to engage with Fulbright on campus.The Fulbright HSI Leaders Initiative also highlights the strength of HSIs as destinations for international students and scholars. Texas A&M was also recognized in 2023 for being a Fulbright HIS Leader.

The 51 recognized colleges and universities include seven associates colleges, five baccalaureate colleges and special focus institutions, 10 master’s colleges and universities, and 29 doctoral universities.

The Fulbright HSI Leaders were announced during the International Plenary Session of the annual conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

“We are incredibly proud that Texas A&M has been recognized as a 2024 Fulbright HSI Leader,” said Alan Sams, Executive Vice President and Provost of Texas A&M University. “This distinction not only underscores our commitment and achievement within the Fulbright HSI Leaders Initiative but also highlights the global impact of the program at Texas A&M.” 

Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, commended the 2024 Fulbright HSI Leaders for their support of the Fulbright Program. Weinhold said, “Fulbrighters from HSIs contribute to the Program’s goal of reflecting the full diversity, perspectives, and talents of the American people.”  

Faculty Impact with Fulbright
Dr. Eduardo Espina, a Professor of Hispanic Studies at Texas A&M, participated in the Fulbright program by teaching in Paraguay. From August to late December 2022, he conducted weekly advanced classes for 30 students in Asunción. Among his students was Jorge Villalba, a Paraguayan whom Espina recruited and who is now pursuing a PhD in Hispanic Studies at Texas A&M. Despite facing challenges such as high temperatures, humidity, and mosquitoes, Dr. Espina remained undeterred.  

“I went to Paraguay to fulfill a mission, and I fulfilled it,” said Dr. Espina. “My time in Paraguay with a Fulbright grant is one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life as a college professor.”

While in Paraguay, Dr. Espina completed a book of essays he plans to publish next year. Additionally, he began writing a new book based on research from his stay, exploring Paraguay’s contributions to the literature of the Americas through works in Spanish, Guaraní, and Yopará. Dr. Espina traveled extensively across the country, gathering data by engaging with locals to deepen his understanding of Paraguayan culture, particularly its literature and music.

About the Fulbright Program
Since its founding in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds and in all fields with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex address global challenges. Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program.

The Fulbright Program implements a wide range of initiatives to ensure that its participants reflect all aspects of the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. In addition to HACU, the Fulbright Program also cultivates relationships with external stakeholders, including the White House Initiative on HBCUs, Diversity Abroad, UNCF, the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Mobility International, among many others.

Learn more about Fulbright at www.fulbrightprogram.org, including Fulbright’s commitment to DEIA within the program and about how HSIs engage with Fulbright.