North Carolina Central University (NCCU) continues to strengthen its global footprint.
James Ham ‘93, director of NCCU’s Office of International Affairs, has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. International Education Administrators (IEA) HBCU Awardee for the 2026–27 academic year, a prestigious honor recognizing senior higher education leaders advancing international education.
Administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Institute of International Education, the Fulbright IEA Award supports a two-week immersion in Senegal and France in March 2026. The experience brings together global education leaders to explore internationalization strategies, higher education leadership and partnership development.
During the program, Ham will engage with universities, government agencies and international education to strengthen NCCU’s global partnerships and expand opportunities for students.
“Being selected for this award highlights NCCU’s dedication to global engagement and opportunity,” said Ham. “I am honored to represent the university and the HBCU community internationally and to bring new insights back to campus that support our students, faculty and staff.”
For Ham, the Fulbright experience is also deeply personal. He began his international service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea and completed his Peace Corps training in Senegal following his graduation from NCCU.
Ham’s selection adds to NCCU’s long-standing Fulbright legacy. Since 1961, the university has hosted and supported more than 27 Fulbright Scholars, Scholars-in-Residence and visiting scholars, enriching teaching, research and global engagement across campus. NCCU has also earned repeated recognition as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader, reflecting its sustained commitment to academic excellence and global access.
Since returning to NCCU in 2024, Ham has led efforts to expand study abroad participation, strengthen international partnerships and increase access to global experiences, particularly for students historically underrepresented in international education.