Virginia State University Named Top Fulbright Scholar Producer 2026

Virginia State University (VSU) has achieved a milestone in international education, being named a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution by the U.S. Department of State. Here’s the first time VSU has received this recognition, which acknowledges institutions with a high number of faculty and administrators participating in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

A First for Virginia State University

For the 2025–26 academic year, three VSU scholars were selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards. This represents the highest total among the 60 baccalaureate institutions recognised nationwide and the second-highest among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The Selected Scholars

The VSU scholars chosen for the program are:

Dr. Lisa M. Hopson, Director of the Honors College (France and Senegal)
Dr. Sarah M. Witiak, Associate Professor of Biology (Romania)
Dr. Daniel M. Roberts, Dean of the Honors College (South Africa)

Did You Know? VSU has also earned the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation for the past four years, recognising its support for Fulbright participants.

Dr. Tia A. Minnis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, stated that the recognition “is further evidence of our growing national reputation in international education.” She highlighted that having faculty with Fulbright experiences enriches the classroom learning environment.

Expanding International Reach

Dr. Hopson participated in the Fulbright HBCU International Administrators Program in 2025, spending time in France and Senegal to study their higher education systems. Dr. Witiak is currently hosted by Babeș-Bolyai University in Romania, conducting research on gall-inducing insects through June 2026. Dr. Roberts is also participating in a Fulbright program in South Africa, with a stay through July 2026.

Expert Insight: This achievement for VSU underscores the increasing importance of international collaboration in higher education. Fulbright programs provide valuable opportunities for faculty to engage in research and teaching abroad, fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening academic ties.

VSU’s commitment extends beyond individual awards, as the university actively promotes Fulbright opportunities for its faculty and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program?

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State that provides grants for U.S. Faculty and administrators to teach or conduct research abroad.

What does it mean to be a “Top Producing Institution”?

Being named a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution means that VSU has the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, compared to other baccalaureate institutions.

Where are the VSU scholars conducting their Fulbright programs?

Dr. Lisa M. Hopson is in France and Senegal, Dr. Sarah M. Witiak is in Romania, and Dr. Daniel M. Roberts is in South Africa.

As VSU continues to prioritize international engagement, it may seek to expand its partnerships and increase the number of faculty participating in Fulbright programs, potentially solidifying its position as a leader in global education.