May 5, 2026 — Dr. Evelyn Cooper, Assistant Dean and Chief of Operations at The University of Maryland, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in International Education Administration to South Korea for the 2026 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
During her time in South Korea, Dr. Cooper will engage in an intensive administrative exchange focused on best practices in global partnership development and the management of international graduate student support systems. Her project will involve collaborating with counterparts in South Korean higher education to analyze strategies to enhance international mobility, streamline administrative processes for cross-border research initiatives, and foster inclusive environments for global scholars. By examining the operational frameworks of host institutions in Seoul, she aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap to expand UMD’s collaborative programming and research infrastructure in the region.
This prestigious award underscores The University of Maryland’s ongoing commitment to cultivating global leadership and international academic synergy. Through the UMD Office of International Affairs, students and faculty have access to a wealth of resources, including workshops for Fulbright applicants and support for global research initiatives. "Receiving this Fulbright award is a profound honor that speaks to the power of global connectivity in higher education," said Dr. Cooper. "I look forward to bringing back new operational insights that will strengthen UMD’s international standing and better serve our diverse campus community. Dr. Stephen Roth, Associate Provost and Dean of The Graduate School, added, "Dr. Cooper’s selection is a testament to her dedication to operational excellence and her vision for deepening UMD's collaborative ties with South Korean higher education institutions. Dr. Cooper is well-deserving of this recognition and will represent Fulbright, the U.S and the University of Maryland incredibly well." For further details on UMD’s global engagement efforts, please visit marylandglobal.umd.edu.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars are accomplished faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals who teach or conduct research in partnership with institutions around the world. Through these affiliations, they expand their professional networks and often seed future research, innovation, and institutional partnerships. When they return to their campuses, labs, and classrooms, Fulbright Scholars share their experiences and insights, becoming champions of international collaboration. Many go on to host visiting scholars and inspire colleagues and students to pursue transformative opportunities abroad.
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 as a bold investment in global peace and American prosperity through educational and cultural exchange. The program is marking its 80th anniversary in 2026, which coincides with America's 250th anniversary celebration. This dual milestone provides an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the Fulbright Program's role in America's legacy of leadership, innovation, international collaboration and American excellence.
Fulbright provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. For eight decades, Fulbrighters have been leaders at the forefront of discovery and innovation, conducting cutting-edge research, advancing critical industries, and preparing future generations with new skills and perspectives. Fulbrighters have included 46 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows and countless leaders in all sectors and industries across the United States and around the world.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars teach, conduct research or carry out professional projects abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. In addition, recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English in schools abroad each year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.
In the United States, the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.
The deadline to apply for 2027-2028 Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards is September 15, 2026. Learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards and eligibility.