Montclair State University Once Again Named Fulbright HSI Leader

For the third consecutive year, the U.S. Department of State has recognized Montclair State University for its commitment to creating life-changing educational opportunities for all students.

The Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced today that it has once again named the University a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for 2023, one of only 46 colleges and universities in the country to earn the federal designation.

Montclair has earned the designation each year since its inception in 2021. Last year, the University was one of only 43 institutions to receive the recognition.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. Since its inception more than 75 years ago, the Fulbright Program has given more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds and fields the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad, exchanging ideas and contributing to finding solutions to complex international challenges.

Founded in 1946 by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, the program bestows two types of awards. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program Study/Research Award grants scholarships to U.S. graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals, scientists and artists selected through a national, merit-based competition for study and research abroad. Awarded solely to students, the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places U.S. students, primarily new college graduates, as English teaching assistants in schools or universities overseas, where they increase foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States.

Since 2008, the program has provided nine Montclair students and 88 international Fulbright students who studied at Montclair, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with the opportunity to engage in high-quality educational opportunities abroad.

Montclair was chosen as a Fulbright HSI Leader for its noteworthy level of engagement with the Fulbright Program and for its success in helping students and faculty benefit from a variety of on-campus Fulbright initiatives, including the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Fulbright Gateway Program, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, the Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program, the Fulbright Development Initiative, the Fulbright Features at Montclair newsletter, and Fulbright Association and alumni events. Most recently, Montclair advised and interviewed a record-setting 24 applicants who “hit submit” for the 2024 U.S. Student Program.

Designated an HSI in 2016, Montclair has created an inclusive environment to support the success of all Hispanic students, faculty and staff through its Office of Hispanic Initiatives. Approximately 45% of the University’s record-breaking incoming class for the fall 2023 semester and 36% of the total undergraduate student body identifies as Hispanic, reflecting the rich diversity of New Jersey and Montclair’s surrounding area.

“Montclair State University is committed to providing transformational opportunities for students from all corners of the world,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “We are honored to once again receive this recognition, and look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance our relationship with the Fulbright program.”

For more information on Montclair’s International Initiatives, visit montclair.edu/international-academic-initiatives.