Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University Bloomington has once again earned national recognition as a Top Producing Institution for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, reinforcing the university’s long-standing reputation for preparing students to engage in meaningful global research, education, and public service. This designation, announced by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, places IU Bloomington among the top 40 universities in the nation for Fulbright awards.
Twelve IU Bloomington students were awarded Fulbright scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, qualifying the university as a top producer under the program’s criteria, which requires doctoral institutions to have at least ten Fulbright recipients. The awards allow students and recent graduates to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad in more than 140 countries, offering one of the most prestigious pathways for international scholarship and cultural exchange.
“At Indiana University, we prepare students not only to succeed individually, but to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society,” said IU President Pamela Whitten. “Our status as a top producer of Fulbright scholars reflects the strength of our academic environment and our commitment to developing talent that leads, serves, discovers and strengthens connections between Indiana and the world.”
IU Bloomington has a rich history of Fulbright participation. Since 1949, more than 650 students from IU have engaged in research and teaching placements worldwide, tackling issues ranging from climate policy and public health to cultural studies, religious scholarship, and community development. For the 2025-26 academic year, seven of IU’s Fulbright recipients are serving as English teaching assistants, while five are conducting original research. Collectively, IU’s scholars are working in nine countries, including Germany, Peru, and Taiwan.
Anthropology Ph.D. candidate Ariana Gunderson, one of this year’s Fulbright recipients, described IU Bloomington as the foundation that made her scholarship and dissertation research possible.
“I would only have been able to get the Fulbright with the support of IU,” Gunderson said. “I’m so grateful to the team at IU, led by Paul Fogleman, that preps students for the selection and application process. I felt so supported. Every question was answered.”
Fogleman, the director of the IU Office of National Scholarships and Awards, has guided countless students through the rigorous Fulbright application process, offering mentorship and preparation to strengthen their chances of selection. This guidance has been a key factor in IU’s eleven-year record of consistently producing Fulbright recipients, reflecting the university’s emphasis on global engagement and cross-cultural academic opportunities.
Gunderson’s Fulbright research has taken her to Leipzig, Germany, where she is studying the adoption and use of alternative meat products among local consumers. Her work combines ethnographic fieldwork with public engagement, including cooking local meatless dishes such as bratwurst for participants to study their responses and preferences.
In an unexpected twist, Gunderson also participated in a German television cooking competition, “Die Küchenschlacht,” which garners millions of viewers per episode.
“When it broadcasts in February, I’ll be able to analyze what the Facebook commenters are saying,” Gunderson explained. “I’m going to have a watch party and interview friends and family and my interlocutors here who watch the show.”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program remains the nation’s flagship international exchange initiative, offering participants the opportunity to build connections, gain practical research experience, and contribute to global understanding. IU Bloomington’s continued success in producing Fulbright recipients highlights its ability to prepare students for complex, globally focused challenges while supporting their academic and professional growth.
Beyond research, IU’s Fulbright scholars play a critical role in educational and cultural exchange, serving as ambassadors for the United States in classrooms, universities, and communities abroad. Their work helps build bridges between cultures, fosters international dialogue, and encourages collaborative solutions to global challenges.
IU Bloomington’s repeated recognition as a Top Producing Institution reflects a campus-wide commitment to supporting international study and scholarship. Students are provided with advising, mentorship, and academic pathways tailored to enhance their ability to compete for competitive awards like the Fulbright. Faculty and staff work closely with applicants to ensure they can navigate the complex process and present strong proposals for study, research, or teaching placements overseas.
“As IU students continue to engage with the world through programs like Fulbright, they bring back insights, experiences, and connections that enrich our campus and community,” said Fogleman. “We are proud of their achievements and the leadership they demonstrate in research, education, and service around the globe.”
The full list of Top Producing Institutions for the 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program is available on the Fulbright Program website, showcasing universities across the United States that are successfully preparing students for global scholarship and cross-cultural engagement. For IU Bloomington, the honor is not only a recognition of past success but also a reflection of the university’s ongoing dedication to fostering international understanding, academic excellence, and meaningful global contributions.
With twelve students representing IU Bloomington this year, the university continues to set a standard for academic preparation, mentorship, and global engagement, ensuring that its graduates are ready to explore, teach, and research across the world while representing Indiana and the United States with distinction.
