Fall 2008 Perspectives Magazine: Crossing Borders

Perspectives: Research and Creative Activities at SIUC, Fall 2008

:: research survey ::

Crossing Borders

SIUC gets its fair share of Fulbright Scholars, but this fall it could be accused of being selfish. This semester, the University is playing host to 52 Fulbright Scholars—graduate students and faculty members. The foreign scholars represent 28 countries and are the largest such group on campus in recent memory.

The number is about 50 percent higher than the norm. In addition to 36 continuing scholars, 16 new ones began their stays this fall.

"The fact that we have such a large number of Fulbright Scholars may reflect a growing positive international reputation for our graduate programs," says John Koropchak, vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school. "It is certainly beneficial...to have these high quality students, targeted for leadership, attending the University. Our students, faculty, staff and the region also benefit from the opportunity to interact with people from other countries."

Carla Coppi, interim director of International Programs and Services, says many in the current group of scholars at the University represent regions typically underrepresented in the past, such as Latin American, the Caribbean, and Africa. Scholars are usually geared for top administrative positions in their home countries.

—by Tim Crosby