Kenyon has been recognized as a top producer for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 19th time in the past 21 years. Today’s announcement by the program ranked the College among the top 18 Baccalaureate institutions nationally, confirming its place as a leader among liberal arts institutions in developing these international scholars.
Eight Kenyon students were selected for the prestigious Fulbright program for the 2025-26 academic year, and more than 70 Kenyon students in the past decade have accepted Fulbrights, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program.
“We should all take a great deal of pride in two decades of sustained success of Kenyon students in winning support from the Fulbright program,” Provost Jeff Bowman said. “This achievement reflects both the high caliber of our students’ academic work and the global range of their curiosity. I am confident they will do a wonderful job of representing the United States overseas.”
A letter to Kenyon President Julie Kornfeld announcing the news highlighted the importance and broad impact of promoting global connections through the Fulbright program.
“Together, by creating strategic and life-changing opportunities for America’s extraordinary students and scholars, we are strengthening American leadership in the world,” said Jason Czyz, president and chief executive officer of the Institute of International Education, which administers the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The Fulbright program was established in 1946. 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.
Overall, Fulbright alumni achieve distinction and are recognized as leaders in government, business, science, technology, research, education and the arts, including 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners and 83 MacArthur Fellows.
One of Kenyon’s current Fulbright scholars is Keiko Behrens, a member of the Class of 2025. She’s teaching English to first-year students at the Silk Road International University for Tourism and Hospitality in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
A double major in international studies and Russian while at Kenyon, Behrens said she’s enjoyed building relationships and connecting with students. “It’s been really interesting to learn about a culture and society that’s pretty different from my own and also share aspects of American culture with them,” she said.
Jackelyn Gali Samandas, a double major in psychology and Russian language and culture from the Class of 2025, is teaching English in Kazakhstan. Not only has she been busy in the classroom, but she also has been running speaking clubs for students and volunteering at a center supporting autistic children.
Guagui Vallejos, a member of the Class of 2025 who double majored in international studies and Spanish, is teaching English at a vocational school with nontraditional students in Ourense, Spain. Her experience with the scenery, food and especially the people, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been really fun interacting with them, creating lessons, and learning with them as well,” she said. “Living here in Ourense has truly been an amazing experience, and I’m looking forward for the remaining months to come!”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is supported at Kenyon through the Office of National Fellowships & Scholarships. The 2026-27 application cycle will open in early April for eligible rising seniors and alumni. Visit us.fulbrightonline.org and connect with fellowships@kenyon.edu to learn more.