ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has been named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader for 2025 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
This distinction recognizes HBCUs with exceptional engagement in the Fulbright Program, the nation’s flagship international academic exchange initiative. Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders encourage students, faculty, and administrators to participate in Fulbright exchanges while supporting visiting scholars and highlighting international engagement across campus.
MVSU has earned this honor for five consecutive years (2021–2025), joining a select group of institutions nationwide that consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to international education and exchange.
“This recognition is a testament to MVSU’s commitment to preparing students for success in a global society,” said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr., President of MVSU. “Through programs like Fulbright, our students and faculty gain opportunities that broaden their perspectives, strengthen academic excellence, and elevate the University’s role on the international stage.”
Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden, provost and senior vice-president for academic affairs at MVSU and a Fulbright U.S. Scholar alumna, emphasized the program’s lasting impact. She noted that participation in Fulbright Programs “has enriched our Institution and the communities we serve.”
Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah, Executive Director of International Programs and Special Assistant to the Provost, highlighted the importance of sustained engagement: “Our continuous engagement with the Fulbright Program allows MVSU to bring some of the best scholars from around the world to the Valley. It also helps our faculty and staff to apply for the Fulbright U.S. Scholars program to pursue research and academic collaborations with overseas institutions.”
For the 2025–26 academic year, MVSU proudly recognizes the following Fulbright recipients:
- Mr. Abuther Alothman
Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant
Teaching Role: Arabic Instructor
Home Country: Iraq - Mr. Shubhrika Pansari
Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant
Teaching Role: Hindi Instructor
Home Country: India - Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah
U.S. Fulbright Scholar — International Education Administrators, France
Title: Executive Director of International Programs and Special Assistant to the Provost
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided nearly 450,000 participants from the United States and abroad the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research. Fulbrighters work across disciplines and cultures to tackle complex global challenges, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.
Learn more about the Fulbright Program at https://fulbrightprogram.org.