UNG a top producer of Fulbright students

February 25, 2025
UNG has been named the top producer of Fulbright students in its category nationwide with seven selections for the 2024-25 academic year. One of those selections is Audrey Gleason, who is serving as an English teaching assistant in Germany.

Article By: Clark Leonard

The University of North Georgia (UNG) has been named the top producer of Fulbright students in its category nationwide with seven Fulbright U.S. Student Program selections for 2024-25. Released by the U.S. Department of State on Feb. 25, the list showed that UNG was the best among nine master's institutions to make the list.  

"UNG's Leadership Foundry helps produce leaders of character who are ready to make an impact across the world," UNG President Michael Shannon said. "We have no doubt these young leaders will use their Fulbright experience to become even more prepared for what comes next."

This is UNG's eighth year in a row as a Fulbright top producer and second year in a row as the top university in its category. 

The Fulbright is a prestigious, highly competitive fellowship that enables recent graduates and graduate students to pursue research, earn a graduate degree or teach English overseas. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and residents of more than 160 foreign countries, according to the Fulbright website. 

"Our students consistently impress me with their desire to pursue global opportunities and their determination in bringing these dreams to fruition," Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and director of the Nationally Competitive Scholarships Office, said. "These overseas experiences expand their perspective and prepare them to lead in whatever career fields they enter."

Audrey Gleason, a May 2024 graduate with a degree in English with a writing and publication concentration and a minor in German, is serving as an English teaching assistant in Germany for this academic year. The Alpharetta, Georgia, resident had always wanted to visit Germany. Lin encouraged Gleason to look at a potential Fulbright year.

Gleason works with students ranging from fifth grade to 12th grade, in areas such as grammar, literary analysis, or oral exam preparations. She has also enjoyed learning the culture and exploring throughout Germany.

"It's been a really good experience. It has challenged me in many good ways. It's my first time abroad," Gleason said. "So, living here for a year was somewhat of a jump in the deep end experience. Forging connections in school, outside of school and through the Fulbright network has been incredible. I have learned so much through these relationships as we share our perspectives and learn from one another."

Rae-Lynn Cifizzari, a December 2023 graduate with a degree in modern languages with a Chinese language and literature concentration, is serving as an English teaching assistant in Taiwan during the 2024-25 academic year. Cifizzari teaches at two schools ranging from first grade to sixth grade. The Braselton, Georgia, resident has embraced the culture of her host country. Some of the highlights have been working with students and developing relationships with teaching staff and the community.

"I have been able to expand my horizons and explore new interests," Cifizzari said. "I've most enjoyed being part of the process to help develop new teaching methods, especially helping to define the English teaching assistant role and what assistance can be provided."

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs compiles the list of top-producers, which is published annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education

Students interested in learning more about the Fulbright program should contact UNG's Nationally Competitive Scholarships Office at ncs@ung.edu for more information.


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