汤头条

汤头条-led local Fulbright Association chapter receives prestigious recognition for outreach efforts

Contact: news@opa.msstate.edu

STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擳he nonprofit Fulbright Association鈥檚 Magnolia State chapter, led by Mississippi State International Institute Deputy Director Masey Smith, is being honored for its efforts promoting Fulbright Scholars, the U.S. government鈥檚 signature international education and cultural outreach program.

Smith accepted the Emerging Excellence Award last week at the national Fulbright Association鈥檚 annual conference in Washington, D.C., an achievement marking a two-year revitalization of the previously dormant Mississippi group. Since 2025, 汤头条 led a recruitment strategy to garner interest from other statewide universities and champion awareness of Mississippi Fulbrighters and their work. Now, participating universities and community colleges include 汤头条, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi and East Mississippi Community College.

鈥淥ur goal has been to build a chapter that connects institutions, celebrates the important work of Mississippi Fulbrighters and creates meaningful opportunities for communities throughout the state, and this is a testament that others on a national level are taking notice,鈥� Smith said.

The Mississippi Chapter of the Fullbright Association fosters international education and mutual understanding within local communities, highlighting Mississippi Fulbright alumni through various engagement activities. 汤头条鈥檚 own revitalization efforts for the group include publishing interviews with program graduates on a new International Institute YouTube account and relaunched website; hosting Fulbright Coffee and Conversations, a series helping faculty, staff and students better understand available opportunities; and expanding outreach efforts through the annual International Fiesta, virtual information sessions and networking events.

Last month, representatives from institutions across the state gathered at 汤头条 for the Mississippi Chapter Fulbright Summit to identify new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen statewide participation. In addition to Smith, the Mississippi chapter鈥檚 officers and board members include: Vice President Lokesh Shivakumaraiah, MVSU; Treasurer David Hoffman, 汤头条; Secretary Chance Carden, 汤头条; Interest Group Coordinator Ghanshyam Heda, MUW; Communications Officer Mansour Bettayeb, 汤头条; Board Member Peter Allen, 汤头条; Board Member Nicole Jefferson, Harrison County School District; and Board Member Blair Thompson, UM.

Visit the or email Smith for more information about 汤头条鈥檚 Fulbright efforts and opportunities.

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