North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has been named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader for 2024 by the U.S. Department of State. This honor recognizes NCCU’s outstanding engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative.
Each year, the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders are celebrated for their exceptional support of Fulbright exchange participants and their efforts to promote global engagement on campus.
This designation highlights NCCU as a key destination for international students and scholars and showcases its rich intellectual heritage.
"For decades, North Carolina Central University has been at the forefront of global engagement," said James Ham, director of the Office of International Affairs. "We take immense pride in our legacy of internationalization, both within our institution and the broader community. The Fulbright program fuels our ongoing commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the world."
Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., NCCU interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, emphasized that the Fulbright Program allows historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) of all sizes to engage internationally on multiple fronts.
“Since its inception, our institution, as the first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students has always embraced global perspectives. Our founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, was actively involved in international affairs, and this tradition of valuing cultural exchange continues to enrich the university community," he said.
Since 1961, NCCU has had 25 professors participate in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Over the past 26 years, the university has hosted visiting scholars from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, as well as scholars-in-residence from India, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken praised the recipients, saying, “This designation is a testament to your institution’s dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding.”
Scott Weinhold, senior bureau official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, added, “HBCU engagement with the Fulbright Program helps to reflect the diversity of the U.S. and build meaningful global relationships.”
Since its start in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 people with opportunities to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. For more information on the Fulbright Program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.
