BOONE, N.C. — Three Appalachian State University alumni have been awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2025-2026 cycle. The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS), a division of University College, is proud to announce that the Fulbright recipients have traveled abroad this year, with two becoming English Teaching Assistants and one implementing a self-designed research project. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected through a national merit-based competition, during which they are evaluated on their academic and professional achievements, leadership potential, and cultural adaptability.
Appalachian’s 2025–26 Fulbright recipients:
Alumna Ashley Benitez-Flores ‘25, from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Alumna Amanda Bruckstein ‘25, from Saunderstown, Rhode Island.
Alumnus Connor Montanya ‘24 ‘25, from Waxhaw, North Carolina.
Yvette Garduno Pina, Appalachian alumna ‘23 ‘25, from Kannapolis, North Carolina, was selected as an alternate for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Mexico.
The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships was developed to help engage and advise current students at Appalachian as well as alumni in the pursuit of opportunities and funding to enhance their experiential education. The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships' work with students has resulted in remarkable success in regards to the Fulbright, with Appalachian consistently being recognized as a top Fulbright producer in the country. -Dr. Ted Zerucha, Assistant Vice Provost for General and Experiential Education
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the flagship U.S. academic exchange program for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, research, and English teaching abroad. The program awards more than 2,150 grants in more than 140 countries.
Visit the NCS website for deadline updates and to learn more about the Fulbright Program.
About the Fulbright recipients
Ashley Benitez-Flores ’25
Benitez-Flores, who graduated from Appalachian in May 2025, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) and has begun her teaching assignment in Yunlin, Taiwan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Chinese.
Benitez-Flores shared, “When I received Fulbright, I felt so happy and accomplished. It was such an honor to share the news with my family and friends. Fulbright is an opportunity to immerse myself in a culture that is quite different from my own. I hope to use what I learn and experience as a cultural ambassador that can help bridge cultural gaps between the U.S. and Taiwan. I will apply this new knowledge to the future immigration work I aspire to pursue in the future.”
Her advice for App State students who are considering applying for a Fulbright: “Give yourself some grace. It is a long and tedious application process but don’t give up! Lean on your peers and mentors, do not be afraid to ask for guidance. Follow your instincts, you know your strongest abilities and traits better than anyone.”
At Appalachian, Benitez-Flores was involved in the International Appalachian and Chinese Culture Club. She also taught Chinese labs with Dr. Wendy Xie and worked as a research assistant in Dr. Denise Martz’s Women’s Health lab during her third year. In the spring semester of 2023, she had the opportunity to study abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea.
Amanda Bruckstein ’25
Bruckstein, who graduated from Appalachian in May 2025, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to Haifa, Israel, at The Technion- Israel Institute of Technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Foods - Dietetics concentration and a minor in Exercise Science.
Bruckstein shared, “I first learned about the Fulbright program in my freshman honors seminar, and from then on I made it my goal to earn a Fulbright. The resources at App State were so helpful in introducing me to this opportunity and supporting my application. I am especially grateful for the mentors who guided me throughout my undergraduate education, and I look forward to carrying the lessons they taught me into this next chapter.”
Her advice for App State students who are considering applying for a Fulbright: “Have conversations with professionals in your field and learn from their experiences. Listening to their backgrounds can give you insight into different paths and help you find your niche and direction. These conversations were especially helpful for me when choosing my major and shaping my research focus. I also recommend using campus resources such as the Nationally Competitive Scholarship Office. NCS gave me invaluable guidance and helped me create an application I was truly proud of.”
At Appalachian, Bruckstein was involved in exercise science research, AppFuel, Appalachian State Dietetics Association, and Honors College Vanguard.
Connor Montanya ’24 ’25
Montanya, who graduated from Appalachian in May 2025 with his master's, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) and has begun teaching in Penghu, Taiwan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master's degree in English.
Montanya shared, “I knew that I wanted to apply to Fulbright as it felt like a natural progression for me. When starting my degree I knew that I wanted to apply to teach abroad. Fulbright is one of the best programs for that. Also, the Taiwan program specifically allows for renewal and that was something I was looking for.” He said that after Fulbright he plans to pursue his PhD or EdD.
His advice for App State students who are considering applying for a Fulbright: “Just go for it! I was an alternate at first and didn't think I would get to be a part of this journey during the 25-26 cycle. But I found out at the end of June that I was moved to finalist. So apply even if you think you won't get it! ” he encourages. “You never know if you don't try, and with the resources that Appalachian State University has for Fulbright, your application can be shaped into a strong submission. So just go for it and see what happens!”
At Appalachian, Montanya was involved in the Chinese Culture Club (CCC) and International Appalachian. He also worked as a Resident Assistant, a Study Abroad Advisor, a Residence Director, and an RC 1000 instructor. Lastly, during his Junior year, he studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand with USAC.
A Fulbright scholarship offers fully funded opportunities to study, research, or teach abroad at leading institutions, providing world-class academic and professional development. It is a prestigious award that enhances career prospects and signals leadership, cross-cultural competence, and academic excellence. Scholars gain global experience, deep cultural understanding, and access to an extensive international network. The program also fosters personal growth and allows students to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. - Dr. Scott Collier, Faculty Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships
More on the Fulbright Program
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and other professionals—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—with the opportunity to forge lasting connections, counter misunderstandings, and help people and nations work together toward common goals.
The Fulbright Program is funded by an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, and it is managed, coordinated, and overseen by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations in more than 160 countries and the United States also provide direct and indirect support.
A total of 21 students have become Fulbrighters in Appalachian’s history, with 16 selected within the last seven award cycles. To learn more about the Fulbright Program and other award opportunities, visit the NCS website.
About Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) works with the Appalachian community to recruit and support students for national scholarships and fellowships, including those that support study abroad, language study, research, and post-graduate education opportunities. This is achieved through promotion, mentorship, and advising throughout the entire scholarship journey. NCS is committed to helping undergraduate and graduate students discover ways to connect their Appalachian education to their future endeavors through scholarship opportunities. Learn more at ncs.appstate.edu.
Written by Dara Carney-Nedelman, Assistant Director of Nationally Competitive and Experiential Learning Scholarships
November 14, 2025
Boone, N.C.
