Virginia State University Earns Top Fulbright Scholar Producing Institution honors
Table of Contents
Virginia state University (VSU) has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution, a first in the university’s history.This distinction highlights VSU’s increasing national prominence in international education and its commitment to fostering global experiences for faculty and students.
For the 2025-26 academic year,VSU achieved the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Programme among the 60 baccalaureate institutions nationwide receiving this honor. The university also secured the second-highest total among historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Three VSU scholars were selected for Fulbright awards:
- Dr. Lisa M. Hopson, Director of the Honors College, will conduct research in France and Senegal.
- Dr. Sarah M. Witiak, Associate Professor of Biology, is conducting research in Romania.
- Dr. Daniel M. Roberts, Dean of the Honors College, is currently participating in a program in South Africa.
“VSU’s recognition as a Fulbright Scholar top producing Institution is further evidence of our growing national reputation in international education,” stated Dr. Tia A. Minnis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “‘Greater Happens Here’ plays out in many ways across our campus, including having more professors with Fulbright experiences abroad teaching in our classrooms. I commend all past and present VSU faculty and staff who have received Fulbright awards and contributed to strengthening our internationalization efforts.”
Expanding Global research and Collaboration
The recognition underscores VSU’s comprehensive engagement with the Fulbright Program, encompassing teaching, research, and international collaboration.In 2025, Dr. Hopson participated in the Fulbright HBCU International Administrators Program, spending several weeks in France and Senegal to gain insights into their higher education systems and cultivate cross-cultural perspectives.
Dr. Witiak is currently hosted by Babeș-Bolyai University in cluj-Napoca, Romania, a leading research institution specializing in environmental and ecological studies, through June 2026. Her research focuses on collaborative studies of gall-inducing insects with Romanian scientists.
Dr. Roberts is also actively engaged in a Fulbright program in South Africa, with a planned stay through July 2026.
Continued Commitment to internationalization
VSU’s achievement as a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution builds upon its consistent recognition as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader – a designation the university has earned for the past four years. This separate honor acknowledges VSU’s dedication to supporting faculty and students in participating in the Fulbright Program.
Why did this happen? Virginia State university’s commitment to international education and faculty support led to its recognition as a Fulbright Scholar Top Producing Institution. Who was involved? The U.S. Department of State recognized VSU, and three VSU scholars – dr. Lisa Hopson, Dr. Sarah Witiak, and Dr. daniel Roberts – received Fulbright awards. What was achieved? VSU ranked highest among baccalaureate institutions and second among HBCUs for faculty participation in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program for the 2025-26 academic year. How did it end? The scholars are currently engaged in their Fulbright programs, with Dr. Witiak’s stay concluding in June 2026 and Dr. Roberts’ in July 2026, solidifying VSU’s position as
