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Salem State, UMass Amherst named as top producers of Fulbright scholars

The schools were recognized with about two dozen institutions from across the country.

An arial view of the Campus Pond and W. E. B. Du Bois Library at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on April 30, 2020. Blake Nissen/ For The Boston Globe

By Molly Farrar

February 14, 2024

1 minute to read

Two Massachusetts colleges have been recognized for having a high number of candidates selected for Fulbright scholarships this year, the State Department announced Tuesday.

Salem State University was one of the institutions recognized with one of the highest numbers of faculty honored as Fulbright Scholars, while University of Massachusetts Amherst was named as a top producer of both Fulbright Students and Scholars.

U.S. Scholars include faculty, researchers, and other school professionals, the department said, and recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals are eligible for the U.S. Student Program. Fulbright grants allow students or faculty to study, research, and teach abroad.

Salem State said four of their professors were honored with the scholarship. Ken Ardon, a professor of economics, is teaching in Turkey, Associate Professor Melanie González in Mexico, Media and Communications Professor Rebecca Hains in Poland, and Theatre and Speech Communications Professor Julie Kiernan in Bulgaria, the school announced last fall.

UMass Amherst was one of 12 institutions recognized for having a high number of both faculty and graduate students or young professionals honored. The school announced last May that 12 Fulbright students would study abroad this school year in Asia, Europe, and South America.