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The U.S. Department of State announced Monday that Fresno State has been designated as a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institute (HSI) Leader for 2023.

Every year, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognizes the engagement of HSIs with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program, by supporting Fulbright exchange participants and promoting program opportunities on campus. Fresno State was among 45 other institutions to earn this designation.

“Fresno State takes immense pride in receiving the Fulbright HSI Leader designation. Our commitment to international exchange and global perspective is unwavering,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This designation provides Fresno State with impressive visibility, which will be crucial in applying for and obtaining significant grants that will further much-needed research in critical areas.  Likewise, the program has expanded our university’s horizons while contributing to the richness of our local communities by creating a more interconnected world — right here in our Central Valley!”

This initiative encourages administrators, faculty and students to engage with Fulbright and highlights the strengths of HSIs as destinations for international students and scholars.

“Representation matters and pairing the world-class educational opportunities that Hispanic-Serving Institutions provide with the power of Fulbright further enriches the experience and educational opportunities for students and scholars both at home and abroad,” said Lee Satterfield, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs.

Open to the public and specifically designed for faculty, staff and stakeholders at HSIs, a virtual workshop featuring representatives from Fulbright HSI Leaders will share best practices on engaging and supporting faculty and students, increasing the global footprint on campus through the Fulbright Program, hosting international Fulbright students and scholars and building international networks. Those interested in attending the event on Nov. 9 can register online.

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has given studying, teaching and research opportunities to students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds in an effort to solve complex global challenges. The program works closely with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to promote international exchange opportunities for students, staff and faculty at HSIs, and in turn promote internationalization strategies, support curriculum needs and form international networks, as well as research partnerships.