Towson University named a top producer of Fulbright U.S. students for second-straight year

Tigers continue receiving unparalleled opportunities across academic disciplines abroad through Fulbright U.S. Student Program

By TOWSON UNIVERSITY on February 13, 2024

Hat in front of the London Bridge
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program sends tigers all over the world to earn a master鈥檚 degree, conduct research or teach English abroad. (Alexander Wright | Towson University)

Today, the recognized Towson University for being one of the colleges and universities with the highest number of students selected for the . TU is receiving this honor for the second time in its history. like TU value global connection and support members of their campus communities to pursue international opportunities.

Three TU students were selected for Fulbright awards for the 2023鈥24 academic year, with one student being selected as an alternate. This year, TU has three semifinalists. They have passed the U.S. national selection process and are moving forward with the respective countries鈥 selection process.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Scholars exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections and work to address complex global challenges.

"I鈥檓 proud to be part of an institution that encourages and supports academic curiosity and the success of our students and young alumni,鈥 says Towson University President Mark R. Ginsberg. 鈥淭o all of our TU Fulbright Scholars, I congratulate you on your achievements and am so very impressed and inspired by your dedication to cross-cultural learning. I cannot wait to follow along with your futures stemming from this unique, memorable and impactful and very impressive experience.鈥

TU has had 23 Fulbright awardees since 1968. Eleven TU students and recent graduates applied for the 2024鈥25 application cycle, with three selected as semifinalists. The three awardees for the 2023-24 academic year mark the second-straight year the university has had multiple winners in a program cycle.

The Office of Competitive Fellowships & Awards 麻豆色播鈥攅stablished by the Office of the Provost in 2020 and led by Mary Sajini Devadas, associate professor of chemistry鈥攔ecruits and prepares students to apply for prestigious opportunities such as the Fulbright with support from Liz Shearer in the Study Abroad & Away Office and Chris Powers from the Office of International Initiatives.

鈥淲e have a unique role in the Office of Competitive Fellowships & Awards: to prepare students for global careers by supporting them throughout the application process for one of the most prestigious academic awards in the world,鈥 says Devadas. 鈥淏eing able to devote our time and expertise to help TU scholars achieve their international dreams makes us proud and helps us achieve TU鈥檚 strategic goals.鈥

This year鈥檚 semifinalists hail from the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Fine Arts & Communication.

Lauren Asbury 鈥24

Headshot of Lauren Asbury
Lauren Asbury '24

Major: Anthropology and Spanish

Minor: International Studies

Award Type: Open study/research

Location: Spain

Campus Adviser: Sam Collins, Ph.D.


Ashley Hajimirsadeghi

Headshot of Ashley Hajimirasadeghi
Ashley Hajimirsadeghi

Master鈥檚 Program: Global humanities

Award Type: Open study/research

Location: India

Campus Adviser: Sarah Gunning, Ph.D.


Taylor Richardson 鈥23

Headshot of Taylor Richardson '23
Taylor Richardson '23

Major: Dance, concentration in K鈥12 education

Minor: Black performance theory

Award Type: Open study/research

Location: Canada

Campus Adviser: Professor Susan Mann, MFA


鈥淔ulbright鈥檚 Top Producing Institutions represent the diversity of America鈥檚 higher education community,鈥 says Lee Satterfield, assistant secretary of state for Educational and Cultural Affairs. 鈥淒edicated administrators support students and scholars at these institutions to fulfill their potential and rise to address tomorrow鈥檚 global challenges. We congratulate them and all the Fulbrighters who are making an impact the world over.鈥

For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit .

For media inquiries, email Jamie Abell at .

About the Office of Competitive Fellowships & Awards
The Office of Competitive Fellowships & Awards supports Towson University students seeking to advance their educational and career goals through highly competitive fellowships and awards available nationally and globally. Faculty interested in nominating students can do so . For any questions, contact Mary Sajini Devadas at . Current students and alumni interested in pursuing a Fulbright application for the next cycle can submit their intent to apply For more information, follow the office on .

About Towson University
Towson University is Maryland鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with more than 20,000 students and 100 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast鈥檚 cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.