NCCU Soars to Third Straight Fulbright HBCU Leader Honor

North Carolina Central University(NCCU) has once again been named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader by the U.S. Department of State. NCCU is one of only 19 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to receive the distinction this year, and it marks the third consecutive year the university has earned the honor.

The designation celebrates NCCU's leadership in global engagement, from supporting Fulbright exchange participants to expanding international learning opportunities for students. It also reaffirms the university's commitment to preparing graduates for an interconnected world, as outlined in its strategic plan.

The Fulbright initiative encourages HBCUs to expand international exchange and highlight their value as destinations for students and scholars worldwide.

"NCCU is proud to be recognized for the third year in a row for this prestigious honor," said James Ham, director of the Office of International Affairs. "The legacy of the university in engaging the world was built on the vision of our founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, who himself traveled to five regions across four continents. Our institution's values and principles continue to reflect the ideals that Fulbright embodies."

NCCU's Fulbright connection runs deep. Since 1961, 27 NCCU professors have participated in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Over the past 25 years, the university has hosted visiting scholars from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, as well as three scholars-in-residence from India and South Africa.

"Being named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader isn't just about recognition, it's about impact," said Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "Every Fulbright scholar who walks through our doors strengthens our campus, our community and the global perspective we offer our students."

Since 1946, the Fulbright program has connected nearly 450,000 students, faculty and professionals with opportunities to study, teach and conduct research abroad, advancing cultural understanding and tackling global challenges.

Learn more by visiting FulbrightProgram.org.