The Fulbright Program recognized Hope College for being one of 96 colleges and universities nationwide with the highest number of students and recent alumni selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Fulbright “Top Producing Institutions” such as Hope College value global connection and support their students and faculty to pursue international opportunities. Four students from Hope College were selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for academic year 2025-26.
The three Hope College graduates active in this flagship international academic exchange program include: Nicholas Figueroa (from Grand Rapids, Mich.) conducting biology research in Japan; Emma Brenny (from Plymouth, Mich.) and Kaitlyn Goeman (from Grand Haven, Mich.) are both English teaching assistants working in S. Korea and Spain, respectively. A fourth Hope graduate — Erin Matheny (Greenwood, Ind.) — was also awarded a Fulbright grant but declined to accept a fellowship opportunity elsewhere.
Dr. Janis Gibbs — a Hope professor of history — serves as a Fulbright Program advisor at the college, along with Dr. Lauren Janes, associate professor of history, and Dr. Mark Pearson, associate professor of mathematics. Together, they guide students in their application process, mentor them during their discernment process and about their calling after graduation. These advisors also work closely with the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career to provide guidance and support to Fulbright applicants.
About the Fulbright Program at Hope College
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international
academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans
and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research
abroad, advancing knowledge, science, and industry through international exchange
and collaboration. The United States government has offered these grants to college
graduates and faculty to conduct study and/or teaching projects all over the world.
The Fulbright grants usually last between six and 12 months and cover all living costs and provide a modest stipend.
These are very prestigious awards, and are available to recent college graduates, graduate students and early-career professionals who participate in study and research exchanges or serve as English-teaching assistants in local schools abroad. The national program is highly competitive, with Hope students having a long history of doing well in the competition, said Dr. Gibbs. Since 2004, there have been 47 Hope College students accepted and active into the Fulbright Program. Most students start applications during the spring of their junior year, choosing their potential host country and figuring out whether they want to teach, research or study. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org/.