The University of South Florida has established itself as a leader for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program, earning the distinction of “Fulbright Top Producer” in 2025. This recognition highlights USF’s position among the top 10 universities in the United States for producing Fulbright faculty recipients. Additionally, USF was named a Top Producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most prestigious international exchange initiatives. Partnering with more than 160 countries, it supports faculty and students in research, teaching, and cultural exchange. Faculty members can apply for Fulbright Scholar grants to teach or conduct research abroad, while students — including graduating seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students — pursue opportunities such as teaching English, conducting independent research, or undertaking graduate study overseas.
A critical factor in USF’s success with the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the Faculty Review Committee, which provides essential guidance to applicants. Composed of USF faculty, staff, former Fulbright participants, and representatives from the Office of National Scholars (ONS), the committee plays a key role in refining student applications. Members are selected based on their grant type and country experience to ensure a comprehensive review process.
Campus Review Fulbright Process
The Faculty Review Committee supports USF students throughout the application process. A major component is the campus interview in April, where applicants present their grant proposals in a structured "elevator pitch" format, outlining their academic background, as well as personal experiences and how those experiences have prepared them for their proposed Fulbright application. These interviews provide constructive feedback, helping students refine their applications in the months before national submission.
In late August, applicants present their revised application materials to the Faculty Review Committee for the campus deadline. This “dress rehearsal” offers final feedback from the committee, allowing students time to strengthen their applications before the national deadline in mid-October.
Transforming Student Experiences
Matthew Stoner, a Fulbright U.S. Student Program applicant for a Graduate Study Grant to Taiwan, experienced the benefits of the Office of National Scholar's support in his application process.
"The Fulbright Student Faculty Review Committee has been a great help to me during the application process for the Fulbright award," said Stoner. "I felt that I had a whole team of support behind me, and that feeling served as an extra encouragement whenever the going got tough."
Beyond providing application feedback, faculty committee members connect students with potential research affiliations and mentors abroad. They also offer guidance on adapting to host communities and engaging in meaningful cultural exchange while abroad.
Dr. Kevin Yelvington, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program recipient and professor of anthropology at USF, is excited about the students he mentors in the application process and their potential for success.
"I just love working with these students," said Yelvington. "When I see their applications and interview them, I am always so impressed with their ideas, their enthusiasm, and their academic accomplishments. As a senior Fulbrighter myself, and someone who believes in the program, I really want to encourage them."
With continued support from faculty and staff, USF remains a powerhouse for producing Fulbright Program recipients, empowering students and faculty to make a global impact through education and research.
“At ONS, we are grateful for the Faculty Review Committee’s participation,” said ONS Associate Director and USF Student Fulbright Program Advisor Lauren Chambers. “Their expertise and feedback are invaluable to applicants navigating this competitive process. They ensure that applicants fully understand Fulbright’s mission — to foster mutual understanding and promote peaceful international relations. These principles are at the core of every successful application, reinforcing USF’s commitment to global engagement and academic excellence."