The 2023 edition of the Fulbright Association Conference was held October 19-22, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. Representing the North Carolina Chapter was Kyle Miskell, a member of the chapter’s Board of Directors, who provided this report. Kyle serves as the Director of Faculty Recognition at North Carolina State University.
A German, a Hungarian, an Austrian, and an American walk into a bar…
That became a running joke at the 2023 Fulbright Association Conference. Not only does it capture the diversity on display but also the camaraderie present. Attendees consisted of people from all across America and from all around the world. What everyone had in common was a connection to Fulbright, underscoring the powerful role the organization plays in breaking down barriers and bringing people together.
The dynamism of Fulbright – both its people and their disciplines – was present throughout the conference. For this year’s opening reception, the keynote speaker was Julieanna Richardson, who shared her experience developing The HistoryMakers, the largest effort to record the African American experience since the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.
The conference presentations captured the breadth of knowledge of Fulbrighters, from the representation of mental health in film to the impact of a play’s publication in India during British colonization. The poster sessions featured impactful research, from climate change in the Navajo Nation to the archaeological record at George Washington’s farm.
One of the main events was a panel discussion focused on food and water insecurity. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado joined the discussion and highlighted the role of the Inflation Reduction Act in the transition to a low-carbon future.
As a member of the North Carolina Chapter Board of Directors, Kyle was honored to attend the Leadership Awards Luncheon and accept the Outstanding Former Leader Award on behalf of Ruie Pritchard. Another North Carolina Chapter Board of Directors member in attendance was Dr. William Vocke, Executive Director Emeritus of the Fulbright Foundation for Scholarly Exchange. Dr. Vocke was recognized as the 1946 Society Member of the Year.
During the chapter leaders meeting, future opportunities were highlighted for local chapters to consider, including: the expanded use of the Fulbrighter App; partnering with international organizations; an international speaker series; a dedicated chapter newsletter; the use of a committee structure; mentor matching; and the establishment of a Fulbright Chapter for those with disabilities.
A quote shared at one of the panel discussions best sums up the 2023 conference and the mission of Fulbright as a whole: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Kyle Miskell, Board Member of the North Carolina Chapter, accepts the Outstanding Former Leader Award on behalf of Ruie Pritchard.
Dr. William Vocke, board member of the North Carolina Fulbright Association, is recognized as the 1946 Society Member of the Year.
Senator Michael Bennet addresses the conference.
Attending the poster sessions.