By Peter Magelssen | Staff Writer
Baylor University recently achieved 18 Fulbright awards, marking a significant milestone in Baylor’s academic achievements. The feat is an increase from the previous record of 14 Fulbrights awarded in 2022, showing Baylor’s commitment to global engagement among its students.
The success can be attributed to a concerted effort by the university, through the Office of Engaged Learning, to promote and support student applications for scholarships such as the Fulbright program and it has paid off, said Dr. Daniel Benyousky, Director of Major Fellowships and Awards.
“Baylor has been continuously supportive of the Office of Engaged Learning,” Benyousky said. “There has been a push over the past couple of years to make the office more effective for students.”
Through various resources, the office gives students the support required to create applications highlighting their achievements, experiences and goals.
Parker senior Jacey Jamison was awarded the English Teaching Assistant award and will be in South Korea through the Fulbright. Jamison said Baylor offered her tremendous support through the process.
“I had a writing advisor that helped me with all of my drafts for the essays and helped me with revisions and editing. I also got to do a trial interview with somebody from the Office of Engaged Learning and one of my professors,” Jamison said. “During the whole process I felt very supported and cared for.”
Over the past few years, Baylor has seen a steady rise in the number of students applying for Fulbright grants, reflecting the growing interest about these opportunities within the campus community.
“Last year there were a record 73 applicants, with even more this year,” Dr. Benyousky said. “I’m confident we’ll break another record of applicants.”
According to Benyousky, The Office of Engaged Learning is actively involved in providing students with the tools and knowledge needed to apply for the Fulbright and other similar awards.
“The application is a formative process,” Benyousky said. “Going through the process makes them think about what they are doing and what they want to do, which gives them a great formative experience that helps them in many aspects of life.”
According to BaylorProud, the Fulbright isn’t the only prestigious award Baylor students overwhelmingly won last semester. Baylor also received its fourth Churchill Scholarship, four Critical Language Scholarships from the US Department of State and three Goldwater Scholarships.
