Skidmore is named a top institution for Fulbright scholars
Skidmore College has earned the distinction of being a top-producing institution of Fulbright U.S. scholars in 2023-24, a testament to the College’s deep commitment to international exchange and global engagement and understanding.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship international educational-exchange program, and Fulbright U.S. scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals who teach or conduct research in affiliation with institutes abroad.
Skidmore’s two Fulbright scholars for 2023-24 are Associate Professor of Political Science Feryaz Ocakli, currently a visiting researcher at Nanyang Technological University Singapore, and Assistant Professor of Art History Nancy Thebaut, who is pursuing research and working on a book at the Centre d’études supérieures de civilisation médiévale (CESCM) at the University of Poitiers in Poitiers, France.
“It’s a wonderful place to be, especially as a medieval art historian,” Thebault says of her Fulbright experience, during which she has been sharing her work through public talks and guest lectures in seminars. “The CESCM is home to a number of medievalists — currently 29 on their faculty — meaning there are lots of opportunities for feedback from those working in medieval art history and adjacent fields.”
For decades, Skidmore’s students have also seen great success through the Fulbright program. Two students were awarded Fulbright grants for 2023-24, and four students are currently semifinalists for the upcoming cycle of awards, says 2023-24 Fulbright advisor Linda Hall, associate professor of English.
“Most students report that they’ve never attempted anything like a Fulbright personal statement: it’s quite different from — much deeper than — a straightforward cover letter,” Hall says of applying for a Fulbright grant. “We always provide examples of successful statements, and there’s no shortage of those at Skidmore.”
Those who have engaged in a Fulbright fellowship have returned home with an expanded worldview, a deeper appreciation for their host country and its people, and broader professional and personal networks.
“Skidmore is very proud that so many of our faculty and students have participated in the prestigious Fulbright Program — teaching, learning, striving, and making a difference all around the world,” says Dorothy Mosby, dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs. “Our scholars and students bring such an incredible breadth of experience to Skidmore, and to further engage their curiosity and potential through these opportunities can be life-changing.”
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 students, scholars, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds and fields the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges. Host institutions and participating governments, corporations, and foundations around the world provide direct and indirect support to the program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide.
