Boone, NC— The Fulbright Program recognized Appalachian State University for being one of the colleges and universities with the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program and the highest number of students and recent alumni selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Fulbright Top Producing Institutions, such as Appalachian State University, value global connection and support members of their campus communities across the United States to pursue international opportunities.
Three scholars from Appalachian State University were selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards, and three students were selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the academic year 2025-26. Appalachian is the only master’s institution recognized as a Top Producer for U.S. Student and Scholars Programs in the U.S. View this article by The Chronicle of Higher Education for the full list.
The Fulbright Program is the largest and one of the most prestigious international exchange initiatives in the world. For Appalachian State being recognized as a Top Producer for students for 4 out of the last 7 years is a distinction that reflects our commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and student mentorship at the highest level. Appalachians recognition demonstrates more than individual achievement, it highlights rigorous scholarship, incredible faculty support, and institutional investment in global learning. Our students that have earned Fulbright awards serve as ambassadors of educational and cultural exchange, conducting research, teaching English, or pursuing graduate study abroad. Their success reflects the strength of the academic programs, advising infrastructure, and mentorship that guided them to that achievement.
Being a Top Producer also elevates the institution’s national and international reputation. It positions Appalachian State among a select group of peer institutions known for cultivating globally minded leaders. The collaboration between NCS with faculty and offices across the university shows an institutional commitment to preparing students to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly in a complex, interconnected world!
- Scott Collier, Ph.D., Faculty Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional U.S. students and scholars, as well as participants from 160 countries, to study, teach, and conduct research abroad – advancing knowledge, science, and industry through international exchange and collaboration. Fulbright Alumni achieve distinction and are recognized as leaders in government, business, science, technology, research, education, and the arts.
Appalachians’ 2025-26 Student recipients are:
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
You can read more about their Fulbrights and their accomplishments in this article.
Congratulations to our Fulbright recipients this year! Our recognition once again as a top producing institution is a reflection of Appalachian's commitment to experiential learning and making local to global connections. Appalachian's community of faculty, staff and students is clearly deeply engaged with global learning opportunities and the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships as well as the Office of International Programs has consistently done an excellent job of facilitating opportunities for our community of global scholars.
- Ted Zerucha,Ph.D., Assistant Vice Provost for General and Experiential Education
Applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program at Appalachian State University are supported by the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. Appalachian students and alumni interested in applying for the Fulbright program should respond to this form.
Faculty applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program are supported by the Office of International Programs and our Fulbright Faculty Liaisons.
App State’s recognition as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for both the U.S. Scholar and Student Programs is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our faculty, students, and staff to foster a sustainable global learning ecosystem through which App State’s reputation for developing innovative, culturally informed and impactful responses to the complex challenges of a globally connected and interdependent world are expanded and deepened. Congratulations to our 2025-26 Fulbright awardees!
- Jeff Cohen, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Provost and Senior International Officer
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and partner institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.
Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world, and have included 44 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders across all sectors and industries in the United States and around the world.
For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org/.
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.
About the Office of International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) empowers students, faculty and staff to address local and global challenges through sustainable and socially responsible means by eliminating barriers to meaningful engagement in global learning opportunities. OIP works in collaboration with campus, community, and global partners to expand and deepen global learning opportunities for App State and High-Country communities. OIP supports the implementation of App State’s global engagement mission, including the co-creation of initiatives that build the skills, knowledge, and perspectives necessary to engage meaningfully and ethically in local and global contexts. Learn more at international.appstate.edu.
