The University of North Carolina Wilmington has been named a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the 2017-18 academic year among master’s institutions, according to a news release.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Aswani Volety and faculty members Ann Potts and Liz Barber each received Fulbright Scholarships, joining the numerous other UNCW faculty members who have been named Fulbright Scholars over the years, officials said.

“UNCW’s distinguished faculty continues to produce research and expertise with global application and appeal,” Provost Marilyn Sheerer said in the release. “Being recognized again as a leading producer of Fulbright Scholars is a true reflection of UNCW’s ability to foster global learning and expand our already stellar reputation.”

Only one university in the same category – Ithaca College – has more Fulbright Scholars than UNCW this academic year. The top-producing U.S. colleges and universities of Fulbright Scholars are recognized annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education. This year’s leading schools were featured in the Feb. 18 edition.

Volety traveled to France and  Belgium in October 2017 to develop ideas for increasing faculty, staff and student exchange between UNCW and French academic institutions, officials said. 

Potts, associate dean of Teacher Education and Outreach at the Watson College of Education, will work alongside Department of Educational Leadership faculty member Liz Barber to continue their research in Malawi, Africa, this spring.

Potts and Barber take students to Malawi for a month of hands-on research in area schools, university officials said. Their work focuses on literacy development and providing educators and students with medical and academic resources.

The Fulbright Program is a highly competitive, merit-based grant sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and operates in over 125 countries throughout the world. The program was founded by U. S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946 with more than 380,000 people participating in the program since its inception. Excellence in teaching and global engagement are key priorities of UNCW’s Strategic Plan.